Senator Skindell Seeks Debate With Mayor Summers On Hospital

[Jim O'Bryan]

In a letter dated September 24, 2015, to Mayor Mike Summers, mayoral candidate State Senator Michael Skindell is seeking a debate on the mayor's proposed closure of Lakewood Hospital.

In the letter, Senator Skindell states: "As we head into the homestretch of the Mayor's race, I believe the people of Lakewood would benefit from a debate over what has become the defining issue of the contest: Whether to close Lakewood Hospital or keep it operating as a going concern. You have made your case for the closing of the hospital, and I have respectfully disagreed. This is the central issue of the 2015 election and I invite you to join with me to debate it."

"Since a charter amendment concerning the hospital will appear on the November ballot, the people of Lakewood would benefit from having their mayoral candidates debate the future of Lakewood Hospital as well as the related ballot initiative."

"While it is true that there are two general forums planned before the election, given the seriousness of the issues at stake in the closing of Lakewood Hospital, I believe that a full debate dedicated to the hospital would draw large and enthusiastic participation from both sides of the issue."

Senator Skindell proposed a debate around October 23rd, just eleven days before the November 3rd municipal election. He requested Mayor Summers to reply by the end of business on October 1st to his request to debate.


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[Bridget Conant]

Is Summers going to send Jennifer Pae to debate Skindell?

[Jim O'Bryan]

This has been mailed into us through a variety of sources.

This has been described to me as a conversation, not a debate.




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[marklingm]

This has been mailed into us through a variety of sources.

This has been described to me as a conversation, not a debate.




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Jim,

That is not a debate.

My understanding is that The Winton Place event is simply intended to be a conversation to share information.

But, I'm guessing that Tommy Bullock will be there with his Team Summers/Build Lakewood gang to shout everyone down ... yet again ...





FWIW

Matt

[Lori Allen _]

I don't know about Tommy, but I'm sure Kevin Butler,AKA, the acting mayor of Lakewood, will be right by his side. During council meetings, Summers, on most occasions hands the microphone to Butler to answer most questions!

[cameron karslake]

Does anyone venture to guess where such an event would be held? Masonic Temple... or maybe Beck Center?

[m buckley]

Mr. Summers, Senator Skindell is asking for an open debate on a level playing field. He's requesting a moment of truth for Lakewood, devoid of all the spin and all the crap that comes with surrogate mouthpieces. Given that you and your administration have repeatedly stood for a lack of transparency, a lack of inclusiveness, a lack of honesty, my guess is that you will decline. Your call Mr. Summers, but make no mistake Lakewood is watching.

[cameron karslake]

Tomorrow, Oct. 1, is the day we can expect an answer from the mayor, don't let us down Mike!

...what's it gonna be boy, yes or NO!

[todd heckeler]

An update on the debate:
https://www.facebook.com/mayorsummers
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Dear Lakewood residents,
After weeks of negotiations, Michael Skindell campaign has refused to face Mayor Mike Summers in a wide-ranging debate that addresses the diverse issues facing Lakewood.
“We’re incredibly disappointed that Mr. Skindell has refused to face Mayor Summers in a real debate, said Lynn Foran, Re-elect Mayor Summers campaign manager. “Despite weeks of negotiations, it’s become clear that Mr. Skindell lacks the diverse knowledge and leadership experience residents expect in a mayor, and he’s doing everything he can to avoid demonstrating that to voters.”
Negotiations regarding a public debate between Mayor Summers and State Senator Skindell fell apart when an agreement was not reached on the substance of the issues of the debate. Mayor Summers was adamant that the debate would cover the many issues facing Lakewood citizens, including housing, development, jobs, services for Lakewood citizens, and the future of Lakewood Hospital and healthcare in Lakewood. State Senator Skindell refused to substantively cover the many issues Lakewood faces in the upcoming months and years.
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[Jim O'Bryan]

Todd

Why always the misrepresentations, why the spin on EVERYTHING? Can Team Summers and BuildLakewood just once be upfront and honest?

State Senator Skindell asked Mayor Summers for an interview on THE LAKEWOOD HOSPITAL DEAL. Period. As you know and have posted, the Senator and the Mayor have talked about damn near everything but the single largest issue to face Lakewood in 50 years. To be honest, the Mayor has all but disappeared from sight.

The Mayor would not debate on the Hospital, instead demanding instead to try to once again to diffuse and not talk about it.

But why listen to me.

READ THE LETTERS!


Original request for a "debate on the hospital."

Here was where it was left hanging.

Page 1 of 2


Page 2 of 2


See you at the groundbreaking of the Solstice Steps, nowhere near the Solstice but a couple days in front of the election. At least it is not political, though workers were told to get it done before the November 1 or else.

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[todd heckeler]

Moving my comments? Why the new thread?