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| Lovely Warren |
For years I have called out Rochester, NY City Council President Lovely Warren for her refusal to speak out against, or in any way denounce, the Rochester, NY Police department racially profiling, harassing, abusing, and in some cases even murdering minorities, especially African-Americans like herself.
In fact, since being elected to Rochester City Council in 2007, and then, as City Council President in 2010, Lovely Warren has been silent when it comes to the injustices and atrocities committed by members of the Rochester Police department.
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| Alex White |
Lovely Warren has NEVER attended a rally, or a march, to stop police abuse at the hands of Rochester police officers.
When Israel "Izzy" Andino, a mentally-ill, young, male Latino, was executed by 7 Rochester Police officers in what neighbors described as a modern-day firing squad; Lovely Warren did nothing.
She said nothing.
When Benny Warr, an African-American, one-legged amputee waiting for a bus on his motorized scooter was picked up, slammed to the sidewalk, beaten, pepper-sprayed, and falsely arrested by white police officers, Lovely Warren did nothing.
She said nothing.
When Brenda Hardaway, an African-American pregnant woman was driven into a wooden porch-railing post, punched in the head, and thrown to the ground, Lovely Warren did nothing.
She said nothing.
So you see, I wasn't at all surprised when I heard that Lovely Warren is refusing to participate in any Mayoral candidate debates.
"Right now, for me, the best thing I have to concentrate on is going to the door, talking to the citizens of Rochester … telling them what I stand for," said Warren.
On September 10th, Lovely Warren beat Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards in the primary.
Richards has since announced that he is dropping out of the race for Rochester Mayor.
One man however is still in the race for Mayor.
Rochester businessman and Green Party candidate Alex White.
I support Alex White.
White has denounced police misconduct and abuse of innocent citizens by rogue Rochester, NY Police officers.
Alex White has attended rallies, and marches.
Alex White doesn't come across as arrogant, or pretentious.
He comes across as a real person, who truly cares about Rochester.
Which is more than I can say about Lovely Warren.
Lovely Warren has declined to participate in several debates, saying her schedule is booked with meetings.
Interestingly, Lovely Warren said she would be willing to participate in more "forums".
Again, I'm not surprised.
In a forum, questions are usually known (prepared) ahead of time, which gives the candidate a heads up if you will, of what is being asked.
In a debate, questions would come from the audience, and Warren would have less, or no control over the audience in her response.
"The only thing standing in the way of a debate happening is her," Alex White said, referring to Lovely Warren's refusal to give voters what they deserve, an opportunity to see the candidates debate.
What's interesting is that after the September 10th primary, Warren's campaign spokeswoman said she would debate again.
So what happened?
Alex White was looking forward to an Oct. 30 debate involving the League of Women Voters.
The League says Lovely Warren never signed on.
"We had hoped, and we had spoken about it many times," said League spokeswoman Georgia DeGregorio.
Gregorio added, "To be honest, we are very disappointed because we feel the public loses when we don't have a continued conversation about issues that affect us locally."
Warren said that she is continuing to campaign but is "not going to get bogged down" with another series of debates.
"I haven't seen, and I haven't talked to, my people haven't talked to me about any debates," said Warren.
Rochester Regional Community Design Center director Joni Monroe said Lovely Warren personally called to decline the center's invitation that same day.
Alex White accepted.
Monroe, said that the format was not really a debate but more like a "community conversation" where a group of design professionals put together questions which are then given to candidates in advance, and audience members also get an opportunity to submit questions during the event.
"It is unfortunate," Monroe said, adding, "It certainly is easier when both candidates, or how ever many are involved, agree to participate."
Monroe said that with Lovely Warren refusing to participate, "It creates a very awkward situation."
So what is Lovely Warren afraid of?
Take a look at the video below, where I ask Lovely Warren a completely unexpected, unrehearsed question about what she, if elected Mayor, would do with the out of control Rochester, NY Police department.
Check out Lovely Warren's facial expressions, and body language, as I'm asking my question.
Then check out Warren's evasive, "sterile" and "safe" response.
This is why Lovely Warren does not want to debate.
She is afraid to be aske real questions.
By real people.
The voters.
And then have to answer them.
Click Play to watch the video
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