ALBION — Republican-endorsed candidates for the March 16 election in the Village of Albion gave uncontested reasons for people to re-elect them Thursday night, after a Democratic boycott of the League of Women Voters of Orleans County-sponsored forum.
Mayor Dean Theodorakos and trustees Kevin Sheehan and Eileen Banker were originally scheduled to face mayoral aspirant Tracy Jennings and her ticket-mates James Skaggs and Sandra Walker, but the Democrats’ decision to opt out changed the procedure for the forum into what county LWV President Lynne Philipps called an “empty-chair debate.”
The lack of participation caused the removal of a question-and-answer period, forcing the Republican candidates to only make opening and closing statements and answer two pre-discussed questions.
Theodorakos used his abbreviated address to explain his decision to run for a full-term after replacing Michael Hadick in June.
“I was on the fence about running because it’s a huge commitment,” Theodorakos said. “I’m running because I feel a great sense of accomplishment and enjoy the hands-on role.”
He cited infrastructure improvements and working with the Albion Main Street Alliance to secure grants for historic preservation as successes.
Sheehan and Banker followed with a presentation that swayed between promises of fiscal restraint and unrestrained laughter as Sheehan breathlessly tried to list his involvement in local organizations and volunteer work.
“The difference between volunteers and everyone else is that volunteers say ‘yes,’ ” Sheehan said. “I always say ‘yes.’ ”
Banker, a first-time candidate for election, assured the audience of her belief in fiscal conservatism. “We can’t compromise services,” she said. “But we need to hold the line on spending.”
Without opponents to debate, the Republicans each took time to thank one-another for coming together. “We may not vote the same way, but we share a vision,” Banker said.
Sheehan said he was especially thankful for the Republican endorsement, despite being an Independent.
The incumbents’ opposition also shared a common view, and in a letter to The Journal-Register published Feb. 26, Jennings, Skaggs and Walter announced they were opting out of the forum due to format.
“The league has been able to dictate terms that discourage real debate, favor Republican incumbents and have rejected many recent requests by Democrats,” wrote the Democratic ticket. “Some may call us cowards, but we think it takes more courage to take an unpopular stand than simply give in to pressure.”
Philipps said the event went well, although she expressed disappointment with the Democrats’ decision.
“It’s sad because this is the only forum we have for community members to hear candidates for leadership speak,” she said.
