Sandy Latchford declines debate invitation

Sandy Latchford, candidate for mayor of Prince Edward County, announced today that she will not participate in the upcoming debate organized by the Concerned Citizens of Prince Edward County on June 17.
“My decision not to participate was motivated by two significant factors:
Firstly, this debate cannot be characterized as an ‘all-candidates’ debate because nominations for mayor and councillors do not close until September 10th. I am fully prepared to debate all candidates once nominations close. As a matter of principal, I feel that this mayoral debate is premature and should include all mayoral candidates if it is to be perceived as fair.
“Secondly: I have made my position clear on a variety of issues and concerns that I feel affect us all. However, I am not prepared at this early juncture to reveal the full breadth of my platform which thus far involves open and transparent decision making, a disciplined approach to financial management, meaningful consultation with the public, and to be fully accountable as mayor to the citizens of Prince Edward County if I am elected. My platform will continue to evolve with further input from our citizens, and consideration of their thoughts, views and opinions. I feel that participation in this event would be a violation of the principles under which I am campaigning.”
In summary, Latchford states, “I will be fully prepared to debate any or all of my opponents once nominations for Mayor close on September 10th, and look forward to doing so at the debate on October 7th co-sponsored by the Prince Edward Chamber of Commerce and the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture.”