JACKSON CHIDES WALSH OVER LACK OF DEBATE DATES
While Boston’s mayoral race has yet to see a live debate between Mayor Martin J. Walsh and City Councilor Tito Jackson, their campaigns are sniping at each other in a war of passive-aggressive letters over how many debates will eventually take place. Both Walsh and Jackson pulled out of a debate scheduled for next Tuesday on WBZ radio after the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1228 — which is in the middle of a contract battle with WBZ-TV — asked both candidates to refrain from debating on the channel.
Both candidates are currently scheduled to participate in an Oct. 24 debate hosted by WGBH-TV.
Jackson frequently criticized Walsh for not debating him and other candidates before the preliminary election, and in an open letter to the mayor — with the salutation “Dear Marty” — he called for the mayor to commit to four debates before the general election on Nov. 7.
“Four years ago you showed a great willingness to debate your opponent by participating in several debates in a number of different mediums and formats,” Jackson wrote. “I hope that you have not lost your zeal for engaging in a public exchange of ideas.”
Jackson’s letter requested a response within five days, and Walsh campaign manager John Laadt fired one back last night.
Laadt’s letter says Walsh participated in a recent Jamaica Plain mayoral forum and will be at a Dorchester mayoral forum today. In addition to the WGBH debate, Laadt said, Walsh will be at a Roxbury forum next week. A Walsh spokeswoman said the mayor has requested that the Roxbury forum be changed to a debate format.
“We understand your frustration with the state of the race so far, but Mayor Walsh has spoken to thousands of Bostonians about his plan for the next four years and will speak to thousands more before the election is over,” Laadt wrote. “We both agree that the people of Boston deserve to hear about the progress that’s been made under the mayor’s leadership and look forward to seeing you at the debate next week.”