How About Two Debates?

I believe that citizens deserve more than one chance to see candidates for office debate the issues. The reason I feel this way is that the issues facing our community are too diverse, complex and many to be discussed in just one debate. Additionally, high profile jobs often have several rounds of interviews before a hire is made.

There have been many letters in the Sun Chronicle concerning the number of debates on the issues between me and Rep Ross. Rep Ross said he was “too busy” for more than one debate, but it was clear that more than one debate is wanted and warranted.

Previously, I requested four debates from Rep Ross. Now, I am requesting just two debates on two of three topics: economic issues, crime issues, and our respective records on the issues. 

My reason for requesting a debate on our respective 'records' is that while Mr Goueia’s 9/14 column raised some good points. One point was the record on the issues that an incumbent has while a challenger often does not; that doesn't apply here. 

Rep Ross has his voting record on the issues. I have my record. I have published well over 200 public policy related columns since June of 2010, all of which are available on my website and have always been open for public discussion. In a debate context, each of us can explain or defend positions without the other twisting or distorting the other's record on the issues.

Additionally, Rep Ross ran on the platform of bringing jobs back to Attleboro. We have a nearly 9% unemployment rate in Attleboro, a nearly $80 billion debt inMassachusetts, and taxes are an important issue to many voters. The economy is broad enough to include issues such as education, which is the foundation for a good economy, and housing, which is important for a strong economy. 

Finally, public safety is perhaps the most important function of a government. Rep Ross is a former police commissioner, a former city council public safety member, someone who requested to be on the State House Public Safety Committee, and his primary legislative accomplishment was a crime related issue. This is an issue he should be very comfortable discussing. 

The economy and crime are issues that every State Rep should be extremely well informed on, and citizens should be informed on a candidate’s record on the issues.

If Rep Ross would like to discuss another theme other than the economy, crime or our respective records on the issues, I welcome such a theme. However, I encourage Rep Ross to articulate why such a theme would be more important than the economy, public safety or our respective records on the issues.

If four debates are a stretch but one is insufficient; two issues focused debates are called for, said Mr. Gouveia in the Sun Chronicle. 

Here is my question: Will Rep Ross accept my request for just two issues focused debates?

Rep Ross can contact my campaign through the contact information on my website, which is PaulForAttleboro.com or email me at info@paulforattleboro.com.