Edelstein: Hey Yaede, Martin: Time for a real debate
Now that a Ewing judge has tossed out that dangerous disorderly persons charge against Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede and since we’re a mere 41 days until Election Day, I will now stand before Yaede, Jeff Martin, all the residents of Hamilton, the ghost of Jack Lacy, and all interested parties to announce that (cue the trumpets) …
To announce that I am challenging the two candidates to sit down - or stand up, I’m easy - and face each other in a debate. Furthermore, I will be the moderator. We can have it at The Trentonian offices, in Veterans Park, outside Fred and Pete’s. Doesn’t matter where, but for the residents of Hamilton, it has to be done. Right now, to the best of my knowledge, none are scheduled.
Why does this debate need to happen? Because thus far this entire campaign has not been about the issues; it’s strictly been about Yaede’s ability to step on as many rakes as humanly possible. I’ve been joking about it, but it’s true. Not once have I heard Yaede or Martin discuss the future of Hamilton; all I’ve heard is Yaede defending herself from attack and Martin everso-gently piling on.
It’s time to debate the issues. It’s not time to debate Yaede’s role in lower-case “e” expungegate, or whatever Jeff Plunkett is charged with, or whether or not some animals were “illegally” euthanized before seven days. Now are all these legitimate “issues?” Of course they are. And of course they need to be dealt with. But they’ve also been played out in the newspaper ad nauseum. I want to talk about forward-thinking issues. Like development (and over and under-development). Like crime. Like quality of life. Like the fire departments. LIke changing demographics and how to make sure everyone is included. Like high poverty rates for children. Like creating a downtown somewhere. Like like like like like.
These are the things I’m sure the vast majority of Hamilton voters would like to hear about before they cast their vote. And these are the things we haven’t heard one peep about.
So yes. I’m personally challenging the two candidates to a debate. Text or email me your response ASAP.
As to why me as the moderator? Because both candidates know me, and know me well enough to know I’d play by the rules. (Oh yes: The rules … Eight questions, chosen by me but offered up by Trentonian readers and The Trentonian’s editorial board, coin flip to see who answers first, then flipflop afterwards, rebuttals allowed, and I’ll let the back and forth go on, but once a candidate goes off topic or starts a personal attack, I’m shutting them the hell up and moving on.)
So whaddya say, guys? A forward-thinking debate on the issues. Novel idea, right?
Let me know. Like, soon. Like, within 48 hours and with a handful of dates and times that will work. Middays are best for me, honestly, but I’m nothing if not flexible.
And don’t think I’m not going to chase you down for an answer, because I will.
And lastly: Let’s be real: A “no” really isn’t going to look too good, y’know?