It’s been a month since endorsed Democratic Candidate for Hamburg Town Supervisor, Jim Shaw, issued a call for a series of candidate debates to inform voters for the upcoming primary and general elections. According to Candidate Shaw, in those four weeks, there has been no response from his opponent.
“Thirty days ago, I sent a personal letter to my opponent asking him to participate in a series of debates to inform the public about their choices for supervisor in a transparent and interactive forum. I am frustrated that, in that time, there has been no response from this man who claims he wants to, ‘bring people together in cooperation, to listen to all sides and reach a consensus.’ Clearly his actions speak louder than his words.”
Shaw’s proposed three-part debate series calls for an initial debate in early September in preparation for the September 12th Democratic Primary, followed by two debates in October leading up to the general election on November 7th. At this time, the Republican endorsed candidate has not replied to the proposal other than to state in media interviews that he looks forward to the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum, traditionally held in Hamburg in October. According to Shaw, the forum offers a different candidate access than a debate.
“Every election season the League of Women Voters provides an excellent opportunity for Hamburg voters to become familiar with those running for office in the town and throughout Erie County. However, their forums are broad-based, gathering all candidates for all offices related to the governance of the town. Therefore. there is limited time dedicated to any one race. Additionally, theirs is not a debate format, which means there is not the same direct and in-depth exchange of viewpoints and information as voters can experience in a two-candidate debate. The Town of Hamburg is at a crossroads in its development and voters deserve to have full knowledge of the intent and vision of the supervisor they elect to lead our town into the next decade. That is why I have challenged my opponent to a series of debates and why I continue to encourage him to reply and participate.”
The debate time clock will remain on the Shaw4Hamburg Website until an official response from the Republican endorsed candidate for Hamburg Town Supervisor is issued and received or until election day. To view the time clock, go to: https://www.shaw4hamburg.com/shaw-campaign-news/shaw-waits-for-response-to-debate-invite-1
For further information on the Shaw4Supervisor campaign: Facebook and Twitter pageshttps://www.facebook.com/shaw4supervisor https://twitter.com/shaw4supervisor .
ABOUT JIM SHAW: Jim Shaw is a life-long Hamburg resident dedicated to the well-being of the Hamburg Community and all who reside there. Jim was born and raised in Hamburg by his parents, Joe and Josephine Shaw. Jim attended Canisius College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in political science. Following college, Jim was admitted to the University of Toledo Law School where, in 1973, he earned a Juris Dr. Degree. Jim then returned to Hamburg, where he established the Shaw and Shaw law firm with his brother, Joe. Since then the pair have capably expanded their client base into the largest law practice in southern Erie County, with Jim litigating almost 3,000 civil and criminal cases in his 42-year career.
In addition to his law firm, Jim has also served as Erie County Assistant District Attorney (1973-75), Erie County Legal Deputy County Clerk (1975-77), Erie County Legislature Democratic Majority and Minority Counsel (1980-1991 and 2003-2006), counsel to a number of town and school boards including Lackawanna City Schools, Frontier Central Schools, Town of Eden and the Villages of Blasdell and Farnham.
Jim is known for his dedication to the community as a former president and active member of the Erie County Bar Association, Chair of the Erie County Reapportionment Committee, member of the Executive Committee of the New York Bar Association and member of the American Bar Association. Jim is also regarded throughout Hamburg for his 50 years of dedicated community service to his hometown.
Jim and his wife, Donna (Iafallo) are the proud parents of four children and loving grandparents of seven.
www.shaw4supervisor.com https://www.facebook.com/shaw4supervisor https://twitter.com/shaw4supervisor
