Janet Oleszek, John Cook Announce Six Debates in October

Kudos to both Tea Party Republican John Cook and Democrat Janet Oleszek for agreeing to hold this series of debates (see press release below). I only wish that this would be the norm, not the exception, in all Virginia races. The fact is, debates draw crowds – witness the substantial attendance at the first two Braddock District Supervisor debates – and also media attention. Debates also allow people to compare candidates’ positions, styles, etc. side by side, and also to participate by asking questions, which is exactly the way it should be. I look forward to attending more of these debates, and to reporting back from them. Now, if we could get more incumbent Republicans to debate their Democratic opponents, perhaps people would see them for who they really are, beyond the feel-good spin that we see in their consultant-tested mailings.

BRADDOCK DISTRICT CANDIDATES ANNOUNCE SIX OCTOBER DEBATES

Ten Total Debates Believed To Be District Level Record

Today the campaigns of Supervisor John Cook and Janet Oleszek jointly announced the six October debates in a series of 10 debates between the candidates for the Braddock District Supervisor seat.  The number of debates is believed to be a record in any Fairfax County magisterial district.  The campaigns are discussing two debates for the first week of November which would bring the total number to 10 debates. The details for the November debates will be released as soon as they are set.

The first two debates in September had excellent attendance showing the large community interest in this election.

“The debates so far have shown that the public is interested, and the candidates are offering different perspectives for the public’s consideration,” Supervisor John Cook remarked.  “I am pleased we have been able to work together with the Oleszek team to get these debates set.”

“These debates are a great opportunity for the community to come together and hear from their candidates”, Janet Oleszek said.  “Our first two debates got excellent feedback from those who attended, and I hope to see even more participation in these next eight debates”.  Janet also noted that she “appreciates the cooperative way Supervisor Cook has worked with our campaign to work out the schedule and rules of these debates”.

DETAILS ON THE SIX OCTOBER DEBATES

October 5th, 7:30 P.M.

North Springfield Elem, School, 7602 Heming Ct, Springfield

Hosted by North Springfield Civic Association

90 minute debate, featuring all candidates running on the ballot in the North Springfield precincts this year.  Also invited to participate are candidates for the Virginia Senate, House of Delegates, School Board and County Board Chairman.  Exact format including length of answers, and questions TBD by hosts.

October 10th, 7:00 P.M.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 9350 Braddock Road, Fairfax

Hosted by Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

Moderator:  David Jones

90 minute debate, featuring 3 minute opening and closing statements, and questions from the audience (through cards passed to moderator) where each candidate will have 90 seconds to answer.  Each candidate will also have up to two rebuttal opportunities for up to 60 seconds each.  

October 13th, 7:30 P.M.

Bonnie Brae Elem. School, 5420 Sideburn Road, Fairfax

Hosted by Bonnie Brae Civic Association

Moderator:  None

90 minute debate, featuring each candidate for 30 minute blocks of time.  Each candidate can use their 30 minutes in any manner of their choosing between opening/closing statements and questions from the audience.  Order of speaking will be determined in advance.  

October 15th, 7:30 P.M.

Springfield District Government Center, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield

Hosted by Cook and Oleszek Campaigns

Moderator:  To Be Determined

60 minute debate, featuring 3 minute opening and closing statements, and questions from the audience (through cards passed to moderator) where each candidate will have 90 seconds to answer.  Each candidate will also have up to two rebuttal opportunities for up to 60 seconds each.  

October 19th, 6:30 P.M.

Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax

Hosted by:  Robinson PTSA

90 minute debate, featuring all candidates running on the ballot in the Robinson Secondary precincts this year.  Also invited to participate are candidates for the Virginia Senate, House of Delegates, School Board and County Board Chairman.  Exact format including length of answers, and questions TBD by hosts.

October 27th, 7:30 P.M.

Ravensworth Elem. School, 5411 Nutting Drive, Springfield

Hosted by Ravensworth Civic Association

Moderator:  Jim Hickey

60 minute debate, featuring 3 minute opening and closing statements, and questions from the audience (through cards passed to moderator) where each candidate will have 90 seconds to answer.  Each candidate will also have up to two rebuttal opportunities for up to 60 seconds each.  

Independent candidate Carey Campbell will be invited to participate in these debates.