Suffolk DA contenders set debate date
Suffolk County district attorney candidates Democrat Rachael Rollins and independent Michael Maloney will soon be squaring off in a debate.
The debate, set to take place at the Boston Public Library on Oct. 19 at noon, will set the stage for November’s general election. Both candidates spoke to the Herald yesterday claiming to be prepared and excited to dispute the issues.
Rollins said her debate preparation is already in motion. “I’m going to do the same thing I did for the 20 plus other debates and forums I did; meeting with constituents and hearing what their concerns are,” she said.
As previously reported in the Herald, Maloney said one of his main talking points for the debate will be Rollins’ list of 15 crimes she does not wish to prosecute, including drug dealing, trespassing and resisting arrest. Rollins said she is prepared to handle the subject “eloquently and confidently” at the debate.
“It’s always great to have spirited conversation and I think the public deserves to know where we stand on issues,” said Rollins.
Maloney said he was “very, very excited” when he found out the debate was officially scheduled, adding that he is looking forward to contesting Rollins. “I would like her to not lean on her endorsements, and I would like her to come and openly debate the issues facing the community,” Maloney said.
The official debate plans came in wake of a meetand-greet with the two opponents at More Than Words Warehouse Bookstore in Boston hosted on Thursday night. The two answered questions from More Than Words youth discussing their platforms and stances on issues like eliminating cash bail and fighting the opioid crisis.
“Last night, she agreed to the debate while being live-streamed on Facebook, so I was happy she kept her promise,” said Maloney. Rollins said the meet-andgreet was “wonderful,” adding, “It’s really exciting to see people interested and excited in this position.”
According to Maloney, a second and third debate could be in the works. Rollins said, “I’m not sure, we’ll see what happens. I’m the only candidate who has been to every forum we’ve had and answered every question . ... I’m proud of that.”