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Rep race debate back on between Bowles, Jackson
Top Headlines A day after a debate appeared to be canceled, The Sun Chronicle arranged for the two candidates, City Councilor William Bowles and former City Councilor Kate Jackson, to square off less than a week before the Sept. 16 Democratic primary. The two candidates will debate at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10 in a forum which The Sun Chronicle will sponsor. Attleboro's cable TV access company, AACS, has agreed to telecast the debate live and rebroadcast it several times before the primary. A location is still to be determined. "We're pleased that the voters will be able to see the two candidates explain their reasons for running and we're happy we could make it happen," Editor Mike Kirby said. "We appreciate the candidates' participation and are thankful that AACS will be able to telecast this important event." The Democratic City Committee had planned to sponsor a debate and provide panelists to question the candidates. Jackson declined to participate, saying that several Democratic City Committee members were Bowles supporters, which she said would make the questioning unfair. Under the new plan, The Sun Chronicle will provide panelists. There will also be an opportunity for the candidates to question each other. As in the original plan, Attleboro resident Peter Gay, executive director of North Attleboro's cable company and host of The Sun Chronicle News Hour with Peter Gay, will serve as moderator. The winner of the Sept. 16 primary will face Republican George Ross, also a city councilor, in the Nov. 4 election to serve as state representative for 11 of Attleboro's 12 precincts. Ross has no primary opponent.
Post Your Comments bear wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:09 PM: " This debate will be just like the one that the DCC would have had. We will at least see that no matter who asks the questions KJ will still not be able to answer them. " betty girl wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:02 PM: " What is Kate going to do if she wins and she has to go out in the real world where they ask unfair questions that she is unprepared to answer? And what makes her the decider of what unfair is? What exactly is "unfair" to her? " goodboy02062 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:20 PM: " Hope: You missed my point. Your answer to what I said is argumentative at best and a bit dim in the least. That's ok, I have "hope" you'll get it eventually. " RICKYL1024 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:09 PM: " I am glad that there will be a debate, the candidates in this race should focus on the real issues that are facing the voters here in Attleboro instead of fear tactics against each other. I believe that the real issues such as the local economy,out of control spending on Beacon Hill,education,funding for Police/Fire as well as long term solutions for job creation and job growth are more important and should be talked about by all the candidates who want the job of being our next State Representative from Attleboro. " doug wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:47 AM: " Certainly hope they time limit the responses....you know Bowles....on and on and on and on and on....! " ricknkim wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:47 AM: " Have to agree with Doug - Politicians will use any advantage they can find, it is in their nature pure and simple. I'm just glad there is a debate and am hopeful that the panel asks some hard-hitting questions that will test both candidates and showcase their strengths and weaknesses. " doug wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:34 AM: " to hope2008...if you think that democrats and republicans do not "cheat" when they have the opportunity to better their standing you must be under 10 years old or over 99....! I wouldn't put anything past politicians. Power is a very strong motivator. " hope2008 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:26 AM: " goodboy: So what you are saying is that the Democratic city committee would have "cheated". There will be Bowles supporters on the upcoming debate panel, as well. Will they cheat as well? If Ms Jackson needs to be as "guarded" in our own "small" city, how will she survive in the real cuthroat world on Beacon Hill, where really smart people will ask her "aimed" questions on a daily basis? Any candidate that wants the office of State Rep needs to be ready to answer all questions at any time. Hope the questions wont be softballed at the debate. I only know 3 people on the Dem City Committee and my impression is that they are not dishonest. " goodboy02062 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:16 AM: " Hope: I am not on the Jackson committee so I can't be sure but if you look at the names on the Democratic City Click you will see a lot of old school Bill Bowles buddies. Also on the list is Bowles' girlfriend. I won't mention her name. With this said, I think Kate is wise to some solid fact and maybe even some circulating rumors that certain questions will be "aimed" and "worded" a certain way and some questions will be "given" to candidates ahead of time with well thoughtout answers. Without pointing fingers I think the fear is the "advantaged" candidate will be enlighted and the "non-advantaged" candidate will be left in the dark. Do you get my point?? Again, this is not fact so please don't everybody jump on me here but there is more to this than the article in the paper. I am just speaking for myself but when I smell a "rat" I stay away. I commend Kate for walking away from this one. Sounds like the Chrinicle debate will be less biased. " hope2008 wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:35 AM: " Ms. Jackson states that she would not participate in a debate sponsored by the Democratic City Committee, saying that their questions would be "unfair", as Mr. Bowles had some supporters on the Committee. Could someone from the Jackson committee please respond and tell me what an "unfair" question is?? If not, it will be assumed that what was really meant was that their questions might be "too hard". Once again, what is an "unfair" question? Does anyone out there know????? " or
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