CASSiDY FOR JUSTICE?

Elizabeth Cassidy Declines Radio Interview, Leaves Residents Questioning Her Candidacy

By Kat Leslie

Warwick  –  In a surprising move, Elizabeth Cassidy, one of the two political candidates vying for a Warwick Justice office, has declined an invitation to a crucial radio interview, leaving residents puzzled and raising questions about her commitment to transparency and engagement with the community.

The organizer of The Forum for The Town Justice, WTBQ, Warwick’s community radio has celebrated over half century of service to the community and long lasting tradition of interviewing all caliber political candidates, ranging from the School Board Trustees and Village Mayors to Town Supervisor’s, County Executives, and NYS Senators that represent this community.

  Elizabeth Cassidy, who had initially responded to WTBQ’s email about her participation in the live radio interview, informed the show’s producers just days before the scheduled broadcast that she “must decline [an] invitation.”  The abrupt cancellation has fueled speculation that Cassidy may be concerned about facing tough questions related to the scandal and the pending lawsuit she is part of, and prompted questions from both supporters and critics, with many suspecting that Cassidy may be trying to avoid difficult questions regarding her alleged involvement in the controversy and scandal surrounding Florida Mayor Daniel Harter, and his board, that sent shockwaves throughout the village.

Cassidy, a first-time office hopeful, was invited to a live radio interview where she would have had the opportunity to present her platform, answer questions from the listening audience, and engage in a critical dialogue with her opponent, Karen Amundson. However, for reasons not explained, or immediately apparent, Cassidy chose to decline this opportunity. Her opponent, Karen Amundson, did not shy away from the chance to introduce herself, her vision, and spent an hour on a live radio show answering the questions prepared by the Judge moderating the event. 

Residents are now left wondering how they can support a candidate who appears to be avoiding public scrutiny and refusing to engage in open discourse with an opposing candidate and potential constituents. The radio interview was a valuable chance for voters to get to know Cassidy better and understand her vision for the community. 

While it may be acceptable for an incumbent  to forgo certain introductory events due to their proven record, known character, and established platform, it is quite uncommon, and some argue, unwise, for a first-time office hopeful like Cassidy to ignore the public and their right to get to know the candidate.    In a democracy, it’s essential for candidates to be open, accessible, and willing to address the concerns and questions of their prospective constituents.

The decision to skip the radio interview has left many scratching their heads, as it raises concerns about Cassidy’s willingness to face tough questions and engage with the community she hopes to represent. In an era where transparency and accessibility are highly valued, declining such a fundamental platform for public engagement is a move that may raise eyebrows and potentially cost her support.

In the absence of this interview, residents are left with limited sources of information about Cassidy’s qualifications, positions, and vision for the office she seeks. Lawn signs and social media posts about her favorite pastimes with the family on Facebook can only provide a glimpse into her personal life, but do little to address the pressing issues facing the Warwick community, and her qualifications for the job. 

As the election date approaches, it remains to be seen whether Elizabeth Cassidy’s decision to ignore public forums and decline the  interview will impact her standing among voters. With Amundson’s qualifications, established record and a willingness to answer any questions, Cassidy’s reluctance to engage with the public may cast doubt on her suitability for public office. Residents will have to weigh their options carefully as they decide which candidate best represents their interests and values in the upcoming election.