A.G. Gancarski
When it comes to debates with Lenny Curry, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is “one and done,” according to the Curry campaign.
Brown agreed to debate Curry just once: 7 to 8 p.m. on May 13 on First Coast News. His campaign refused a May 12 debate that WJXT-TV wanted to air.
“Rick Mullaney, director of Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, which sponsored debates in races for both mayor and sheriff in conjunction with WJXT, received this message Friday morning,” according to News 4 Jax:
“I regret to inform you that the Alvin Brown Campaign will not be able to participate in your proposed debate. Best wishes, Joshua Karp (communications director of the Florida Democratic Party).”
In reaction, Curry campaign advisor Brian Hughes contended that with “a record of failure, horrific crime increases, and financial disarray in city government, it’s no wonder Alvin Brown is afraid to stand up and defend his first term. Just four years ago, Alvin Brown touted the importance of debates and public events with both candidates. Now, Brown wants to hide from voters by rejecting public forums that would inform voters about the the choice facing Jacksonville. It’s disrespectful to the people of Jacksonville.”
In 2011, Brown sought five debates; this year, he has agreed to just one. Of course, Brown was an insurgent candidate four years ago, and now he’s the incumbent.
First Coast News will hold the one and only debate between Jacksonville’s remaining two mayoral candidates. In a statement, News Director Megan Harris said, “First Coast News is excited to host this important political discussion and looks forward to advancing civic dialogue in Jacksonville.”
It is an open question how much the civic dialogue can be advanced in one hour.
