Julian Schreibman and Joel Tyner

The Democratic Party’s Congressional Primary on Tuesday, June 26 will take place without a forum where the public can evaluate the two candidates side by side. Tyner and Schreibman, vying for the opportunity to replace Congressman Hinchey on the Democratic ticket, have yet to appear before the public on the same podium. Last week, Woodland Pond where the only public forum was scheduled, announced it was closed to the public.

The AAUW Kingston branch sought to fill that gap in the democratic process. AAUW is a nonpartisan organization that has a commitment to educating voters but does not back individual candidates.

The AAUW proposed several potential forums to the candidates. None will take place. Julian Schreibman’s staff responded that he is unable to attend any of the times proposed. AAUW’s national policy requires that for a forum to occur at least two candidates must agree to participate. Unfortunately this leaves the public in this new district with no venue to hear the candidates in person.

AAUW Kingston encourages the public to watch the Daily Freeman video of the Woodland Pond invitation-only forum and to seek out opportunities to meet the two candidates at their separate appearances this week.