Mackenzie and Slattery Shirk Debate, Public Loses

Neither Ryan Mackenzie or Pat Slattery showed up at Tuesday night's debate.

In a way I understand Pat's decision. The debate was hosted by an organization whose president is now suing him. It's pretty easy to assume it's a very politically charged lawsuit. I do respect CEPTA as a grassroots organization that has been active in this community for over a decade, but I cannot give its president the benefit of the doubt here. The timing of this lawsuit announcement is just too convenient to see it any other way. So I do understand Slattery not wanting to attend this debate.

As for Mackenzie, I heard the last minute excuse was "other obligations" despite his RSVP commitment to attend to the event. It's clear either he or his handlers made the strategic decision not to show. Either that, or he clearly didn't care enough to honor a commitment with one of the community's most established grass roots organizations. Both excuses are unacceptable.

Twice I've tried to get Mackenzie's take on issues that I view as important. Specifically they include growth issues because I view them as critically important here in Upper and Lower Macungie and South Whitehall. One was the debate and the other was through the questionnaire sent out two weeks ago by the 'Friends LMT' organization. Mackenzie declined to answer.

As I outlined in a previous post I will be voting for Pat Slattery in the special election. His views do not line up 100 percent with mine, but no candidate's do. He is sincere and understands the 134th and our unique issues. I did not decide until last night who I am voting for in the Republican Primary.

Arlene Dabrow was the only candidate to show up last night. She gave earnest and honest answers to questions posed to her last night. She earned my vote.

For me it's Slattery in the Special Election and Dabrow in the Republican primary. To learn more about Dabrow visit her website here. 

What are your thoughts on the Special Election and Republican Primary?