Don’t duck debates
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THANKS to several public service ads and endless photo opportunities, Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s face is everywhere. But when it comes to actual face time with opponents, the mayor is more like the invisible man.
In theory, Menino has agreed to participate in three debates: two before the September preliminary election and one before the general election in November. But he has yet to sign onto any specific dates.
“We’re in active discussions with debate sponsors and I expect we’ll have something to say shortly,’’ said Ed Fouhy, the retired CBS News executive who has organized presidential debates and was hired by Menino to negotiate debates for this campaign.
Incumbents always try to limit debate opportunities, which are free advertisements for lesser-known rivals. But this incumbent is going for a fifth term. It is way past time for a noisy, open discussion of important city issues. There’s no reason to limit the discussion to three debates.
According to recent polls, an impressive 57 percent of Bostonians say they have personally met the mayor. But all Bostonians deserve the chance to take his measure against challengers.
Those challengers - City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Sam Yoon, and South End businessman Kevin McCrea - are open to debate possibilities anywhere, anytime. But so far, Menino’s resistance to being pinned down or showcased alongside them leaves them talking only to each other.
On Monday night, for example, Menino’s opponents participated in a forum for all City Council and mayoral candidates that was held at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury. Each candidate gave a two-minute opening statement and then took questions from the audience. Menino did not attend.
Dot Joyce, Menino’s press secretary, said the mayor was invited to the Hibernian Hall event at the last minute and his schedule did not allow him to attend.
Menino’s campaign manager, Emily Nowlin, said Menino’s participation in future forum events will be decided “on a case-by-case basis.’’ She said: “He is the mayor. His schedule is very full.’’
Let’s call this out for what it is: ducking.
Everyone, including the media, is waiting on Menino. Why? Why not schedule debates, inform the candidates of the dates, set up chairs and go ahead with or without him?
This mayor’s race should move forward with those candidates who are brave enough to show their face to each other.
