Monday forum for Cohoes mayoral candidates decidedly less tense than last week’s.
Exchanges among candidates were less heated this time
More than 200 people attended a forum Monday night for the four candidates running in the Democratic primary for mayor. The event was glaringly milder than last week’s tense — and, at times, personal — debate.
“What I want to talk about tonight is not all the political nonsense,” said Mayor Shawn Morse, the incumbent candidate, during his opening statement Monday. “A lot of things are said and it really sometimes muddies the waters. What I want to talk about is how the city of Cohoes in the last three years has seen this incredible resurgence.”
The candidates — Morse, retired State Police Major Bill Keeler, Councilman Steve Napier and former city treasurer Peter Frangie — discussed education, public safety, code enforcement, infrastructure, business and their goals for the city.
Students in Cohoes High School’s American history and participation in government classes researched local issues facing residents and wrote questions to ask the candidates. Audience members also asked questions.
The event was co-sponsored and co-moderated by members of the League of Women Voters.
While many of the questions provided similar responses from the candidates — having an open door policy to the public, maintaining and improving city parks and working to provide more programs for youth — the first question highlighted some of their differences and what they perceive as their strengths. Candidates were asked: Name one significant difference in your platform that makes you distinct from other candidates.
“Well, I’ve done it all and they (the other candidates) are just talking about it,” said Morse, who listed off his accomplishments while in office, describing his time as mayor as “a century of progress in three and a half years.”
Frangie highlighted his experience as the former city treasurer and discussed his approach to the job of mayor, a concept he calls “our better angels.”
“This is a concept I reflect on when I think about what mayor I want to be,” Frangie said. “Peter Frangie’s ‘better angels’ is to put aside personal feuds, personal differences, and to tune out the drama which surrounds us on social media, so I can focus on you, the residents of Cohoes.”
Keeler discussed his experience in managing large budgets and employees during his time as a State Police major. Citing his background in law enforcement, he said he would use contacts to improve crime prevention. He also said he would focus on a “need-to-do list,” including paving roads, fixing sidewalks and patching leaks.
Napier frequently brought up what he calls “The Napier Plan,” a 24page booklet that outlines what he wants to accomplish as mayor.
“Putting it down on paper has the impact of letting people know exactly how I plan to do it,” Napier said.
To watch the full twohour forum, visit the Cohoes School District’s Facebook page.
The first debate between the four candidates was much different: It included personal attacks and centered on Morse. Questions included whether he is fit to run the city and how the mayor’s character reflects upon Cohoes.
“I never imagined that I would be running for mayor, but Cohoes has been in the news for all the wrong reasons the last two years, and I can no longer sit on the sidelines,” Keeler said at the debate. “I love Cohoes too much. I’m running to restore honor and integrity.”
Morse faces a sevencount federal felony indictment that alleges he conspired with his former campaign treasurer to use political donations for personal expenditures, including vacations and home repairs.
Over the past two years Morse has also faced domestic abuse allegations concerning his wife and daughter. Morse has not faced criminal charges related to those claims.
Morse has also faced, and denied, abuse allegations from other women.
The primary vote will be held on Tuesday, June 25.