‘That my opponent refuses to face the voters and defend her radical positions is an absolute disgrace,’ said Sarcone. ‘He’s not a serious candidate,’ Cacace replied.

By Jonathan Bandler | Westchester Journal News

A candidate forum in the race for Westchester District Attorney will not take place after Democrat [candidate] Susan Cacace said she would not participate, the League of Women Voters announced [last] Tuesday.

Former judge Susan Cacace, Democrat candidate for Westchester D.A. 

“This is a lost opportunity for the public to hear directly from candidates in person and to address their own questions to them,” Westchester County League President Kathy Meany said in announcing the cancellation.

“We strive to run forums in a respectful, non-partisan environment that encourages civil discourse and allows candidates to communicate with the people they are seeking to represent.

“It is a disappointment that there will be no such opportunity for voters residing in Westchester County.”

Cacace’s decision was assailed by Republican candidate John Sarcone, who accused Cacace of “hiding” from voters.

“The voters cannot make a clear choice without knowing each candidate’s position on major issues that impact their safety and security,” Sarcone said in a statement. “Refusing to participate in even one debate is a threat to democracy and a slap in the face of Westchester voters.

“As woke New York Democrats prioritize criminals, anti-semites and migrants over New Yorkers, there has never been a more important election for DA in Westchester and it is an absolute disgrace that my opponent refuses to face the voters and defend her radical positions.”

[Former Judge] Cacace’s campaign countered that she continues to engage with voters, while it was Sarcone who was not a serious candidate.

“Susan has always made herself accessible to people all across Westchester and will continue reaching out to voters to discuss her vision for the office and her plans to keep Westchester safe,” the campaign said.

“Her opponent, on the other hand, has no credible campaign to speak of. He has failed to raise any money, has not produced a website, has no social media presence, and zero visibility. The voters deserve better.”

The forum had been planned for Oct. 24 at the White Plains Public Library.

Without Cacace’s participation, Sarcone asked for it to be turned into a Meet the Candidate night where he could answer questions, but the League said that would constitute “an open or empty chair meeting, and is not permitted under League rules and its policy of nonpartisanship.”

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News. ##