By Robert J. McCarthy
October 15, 2015
Here are the thoughts of Canisius College expert Dr. Charles Wigley on Wednesday night’s debate between county executive candidates Mark Poloncarz — the Democratic incumbent — and GOP challenger Ray Walter.
This was a model political debate. Real issues were raised by the questioners and the candidates were very direct, responsive, and compliant with the debate rules. Both candidates are to be commended for their good debating skills and professional demeanor.
In the final analysis, candidate Poloncarz had a masterful command of the details as to why decisions were made. This would be strong evidence of his expertise and supports the idea of him as a credible candidate. Candidate Walter did not, it seems to me, provide enough follow-through on his specific points to keep the audience focused on his own agenda. Going by the standards I offered in our interview Tuesday, Poloncarz appears to have addressed sufficient details to support his big picture of things and, as well, offered a strong closing argument. Candidate Walter, showing his positive professional demeanor, did not, it seems to me, get Poloncarz caught-up in issues raised by candidate Walter (as would have been my advice). So, from a purely strategic viewpoint, it would seem that the debate ended on negative round, thereby favoring Poloncarz by retaining the incumbent. Of course, one debate does not an election make! Erie County is benefitted by having such a showcase debate