Edwards' Declination
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» See Related StoryChuck,
I received your request to debate. Thank you for the invitation but you are proposing a debate during the week of the 4th of July, in the middle of the day. Neither of those proposals works with my schedule since I work full time as do most of the people I would like to attend.
I recognize that you quit your job at SUNY Fredonia and as a result have no work obligations to interfere with your campaign but as the County Executive I work full time for the people of Chautauqua County and pursue my campaign in the evenings and on weekends.
More importantly, I reviewed the tape I made of the last debate. As you recall I invited you to debate entrepreneur issues after you announced that you had "Bold new initiatives and would take decisive action", and I admit that I wanted to hear what they were. From my review of the video I recorded of the debate, your initiatives were you would "Appoint 20 people to a committee to tell you what you should do, and you would spend more money and do more." The balance of the debate you gave canned answers which did not address the questions and typically had nothing to do with entrepreneurs.
I have been asked by the LWV to participate in 3 debates, a Rotary club has also asked to host one as well as a combined Rotary/Chamber co-sponsored debate. This would provide the people of this county with 5 opportunities to hear us debate on a wide range of issues. I enjoyed the opportunity during our recent debate to highlight all the success I have had encouraging, supporting and promoting the growth of businesses large and small, and how I am now working to help both businesses and individuals who have been hurt by this national recession, and I am certain I will enjoy the five debates already scheduled.
As a result I will look forward to a chance to present answers to the questions that the League of Women Voters, the Chamber, the Rotarian's and the public will have during our upcoming debates but do not anticipate that further debates will be necessary.
Thank you for your time.
Greg Edwards
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FionaR
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06-30-09 7:21 PM
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fmfdoc - Try reading the paper and seeing all the pictures of our Executive and tell me how often he's in the office. But then that might be a good thing..... Sorry Sammy, I'm not sure what Mr. Gerace has to do with what Mr. Cornell has accomplished. Cutting $1 mil from what Mr. E has proposed in the last 3 years is actually a pretty big deal. Mr. C has cut more than taxes. Go to a meeting or read the minutes online and check it out.
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NYNana
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06-30-09 3:07 PM
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I want to add that debating during the 4th of July week, a week when plant shutdowns and vacations are planned and done every year is a really horrid time to schedule a debate. Many people have already made vacation plans, will be away and won't even be able to read about the debate...maybe that is why Cornell wants to debate then, the less people around, the better? As for the letters to each other in the newpaper, oh please! Schedule debates when people are around, when people can attend or at the least, read an accurate reporting of the facts of the debate.
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NYNana
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06-30-09 3:02 PM
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There is no difference between Mr. Edwards and Mr. Cornell, IMHO. They are both REPUBLICRATS. They all sleep in the same bed. Until we get non-career politicians in office, nothing will change and Chautauqua County NY will remain the 4th highest taxed county IN THE COUNTRY! Mr. Edwards LIED. He said he was only running for one term and one term only. He got my vote for that one term because I felt we needed a change. Nothing has changed, it has gotten worse. Mr. Cornell has practiced underhanded and sneaky behavior in the political realm for more than a decade and a half. He will not get my vote either. I am hoping a 3rd party, free spirited, open person will throw their hat into the ring and gives us another option, come November because the status quo is killing us.
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SammyBrown
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06-30-09 1:44 PM
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As a reformed Democrap I have always read Mr Cornell's comments with a great deal of interest. It amazes me that even an educated politican such as Mr Cornell claims to be has never taken Economics 101. The Democratic leads claims to cut taxes heating, gas above $2/gal. and sales taxes Then turn around and blame the Republicans for the rising property tax. Try to cut back on spending and the Dem cry we cannot do without unless it would impact a Republican lead dep't. Look back to reducing the sheriff's patrol and see how quickly Gerace was up in arms but managed to find $500,000 in cuts etc when it became apparent he needed to, without the loss of many jobs. Then Mr Cornell led the charge to cut the CtyClerk's budget when his wife lost the election. For those that have short memories the Cty Clerk produces positive operating results by keeping as many of the renewal registration etc here in the County because she runs a tight ship. Hopefully Sandy will return for Many years to come
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DEc1092
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06-30-09 12:56 PM
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bobbyb, Panama is no more provincial than any other town or community. I don't agree with some of Greg Edwards ideas and whatnot but one man is not responsible for a worldwide recession that has affected our international OEM's and other businesses in the county. Nor is he responsible for those companies paniced, knee jerk reactions that resulted in the loss of dedicated employees. I got a kick out of Edwards letter. I like a guy who says what he thinks with a little bite to it.
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fmfdoc
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06-30-09 12:32 PM
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I am glad at least one elected offical believes in working during his scheduled work time vs campagining for office on my dime. Shows at least Edwards has some ethics. Sounds like Cornell is indepently wealthy or very arrogrant and thinks that he has the election won already to be able to quit his job. That shows good work ethics, what will he do when we have to pay him fulltime "IF" (A big if) wins?
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bobbyb
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06-30-09 11:20 AM
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Here we go with the provincial (could use another word) Panama people that can't get beyond high school--Pathetic!!!! Incapable of having a discussion or a debate---Greg is wonderful. After all he is from Panama, and it is, as it has always been all about him! It does not matter that he is arrogant, insecure, disrespectful, and claims to be a Republican while inducing outrageous spending and raising taxes to pay for it. Tell each other (all three of you) all about those 1,000 jobs he created last year! LOL
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minuteman
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06-30-09 11:11 AM
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I'll betcha the first 4 contributors are part of the cornell kabal - wonder if these are the same group that is trying to hijack the conservative party in this county??
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country111
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06-30-09 10:57 AM
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You people really "crack" me up. talk about being out of touch. You all must be just like Cornell...Unemployed!!!!!!!! And I suppose thats Chautauqua County's fault.
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bobbyb
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06-30-09 9:57 AM
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It appears as if the county executive is just a little insecure in his intellectual capacity! What an arrogant excuse, for a human being. Greg Edwards is a disgrace to this county. He launches personal attacks to defend not debating the issues! It is obvious to all that Greg Edwards is afraid of Chuck Cornell.
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FionaR
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06-30-09 9:47 AM
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I hope his family and friends who were at the debate read this and see him for what he is.
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FionaR
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06-30-09 9:47 AM
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This man is in another world. Was he actually present at his first debate? Talk about being condescending and insulting. What an idiot.
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danman
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06-30-09 9:09 AM
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Bravo to nonews---Yes Mr. Edwards, I also request you debate Chuck Cornell during the week of the 4th! I look forward to watching you say you created 1,000 jobs last year, and cut taxes. You Greg Edwards insult the people. Do you really believe the people do not know how you opposed eliminating the home heating tax, reducing the sales tax, and how you supported raising gas taxes? Do you think the people do not understand the tax levy has increased under your watch? There is not enough space to discuss your hiring and budgeting practices.
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nonews
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06-30-09 8:52 AM
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Dear Greg Edwards., Since you work for me, I am requesting you debate Chuck Cornell during the week of the 4th. Quite frankly, I haven't seen you do the work of the people since you have been elected. As a die-hard Republican, it pains me to look at your voting history, especially in regards to tax cuts. At least in the debates you are humorous. For example you said we have experienced exceptional job growth under your administration. Really?? Tell my friends at MRC, Cummins, TitanX, Sysco, and Trucklite who have been laid off or let go in the past year about all the job growth you have helped create. They are out of work and need jobs. If you weren't so far out of touch with the people of Chautauqua County, you wouldn't be so arrogant. Instead, you decide to attack Chuck's personal life. I guess if I had the kind of record that you have I would probably attack my opponent as well. You collect a paycheck on the peoples dime, but given your record, you should be ashamed to accept
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