A debate pitting the two main candidates in the Assembly District 31 race against each other — has been canceled.
Clint Olivier and Joaquin Arambula were due to square off against each other – but organizer The Maddy Institute says third candidate Ted Miller threatened to sue if he wasn’t included.
The Arambula Campaign says The Maddy Institute canceled it – The Maddy Institute says the Arambula Campaign refused to take part.
Either way it’s not happening.
Candidate Ted Miller believes the Arambula Campaign are using the situation as a smoke screen.
“I suspect that they took stock of how well their preparation of the debate that was scheduled was going and they canceled it and they used this as an excuse.” – Ted Miller, District 31 Candidate.
Joaquin Arambula says he would have been prepared.
“I’m very ready for this debate and quite excited about it.” Joaquin Arambula, District 31 Candidate.
He issued a statement (see below):
Clint Olivier – who is also in the running – says Arambula is looking for reasons not to take part:
“He’s nervous because he’s a Johnny-come-lately, he never shows up at anything, but he thinks he can buy this election.” Clint Olivier, District 31 Candidate.
The debate was scheduled to be broadcast on KMJ on March 13th.
Statement from Dr. Joaquin Arambula
“I am extremely disappointed I will not have the opportunity to debate our opponent this Friday as scheduled. I am eager to engage Mr. Olivier, demonstrate the vast differences between us, and explain my vision for a healthier valley.
The Maddy Institute forum format was agreed to sometime ago, but was changed 72 hours out. To be very clear, my campaign did not change or cancel the even the Maddy Institute did.
Regarding Mr. Miller, I do not consider him a viable candidate and I have concerns about his past behavior.
We have reached out to television media outlets and asked if they would pick up that time slot this Friday and allow the event to proceed. We are hopeful this can be arranged.
I have five candidate forums scheduled this month, and I will gladly accept debates after the SE for the primary and general election. I have asked The Maddy Institute to reschedule the debate for late April and May, and expressed our willingness to participate for both the primary and general.”
Scheduled candidate forums include:
Hospital Council of Northern and Central California: March 11
KSEE: March 15
Fresno City College: March 16
Latino Candidate Forum: March 17
BWOPA/FMBCC Debate: March 29
