New Haven Independent

Blango Opts Out of NAACP Debate

by Sarah Vanderbilt | August 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Newhallville Alderman Charles Blango skipped a NAACP-sponsored candidate debate Tuesday, drawing heat from the audience and leaving his opponent alone at the microphone.

Gary Holder-Winfield (pictured) and Blango are vying for the 94th District state General Assembly seat left open by retiring State Rep. Bill Dyson. They face each other in a Democratic primary on Aug. 12.

The NAACP was hoping the two would face off at a debate at the Elks Club Tuesday night, but Blango had other plans. With only a week left in the race, he decided his time was better spent on the streets, canvassing door-to-door.

Chester Graves (pictured), the co-chair of the Great Haven NAACP’s Political Action Committee, moderated and helped to organize the forum, which was co-sponsored by the Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. He expressed disappointment with Blango’s decision not to participate.

“Perhaps our scheduling could have been a little timelier; perhaps we could have organized this a little earlier,” he said. “That being said, we do believe we contacted both candidates’ offices in a timely manner.”

According to Blango’s campaign manager, Dee Linehan, the last week of the campaign was too busy with canvassing to take time out for a debate on such short notice.

“We are a week away from an election and a lot of groundwork needs to be done,” she said. “He’s already the endorsed candidate by the Democratic party, and therefore taking time out to have a debate on issues this late in the campaign is just not the best way to reach voters.”

Instead, she said, Blango decided to go out, as he does every night, canvassing neighborhoods with supporters and discussing issues one-on-one with voters. “Elections — you win them in the streets, not at debates,” Linehan said.

When he contacted the Blango campaign about possible dates for the forum, Graves said, he wasn’t given a “no,” but rather a “We’ll let you know.” He said the event’s organizers were prepared to work with Blango to reschedule or move the event to later the same evening, but did not hear back from the campaign until late Friday, when fliers and other notifications had already gone out.

Linehan said that when Graves called her earlier last week to propose two possible dates, she told him things were very busy, and that she’d get back to him. On Friday, she let him know it wasn’t going to work with the schedule. “We’d given them plenty of time to cancel,” she said. “It was just too busy, too last-minute.”

Graves said the NAACP, which is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates, decided to go forward with the forum, even in Blango’s absence, because of the importance of the coming election to choose state representative Bill Dyson’s successor. “We owe it to him and his legacy, as well as all of us in this community, to know who dares run for this office, who dares stand in the shoes of Bill Dyson.” He also noted that Blango is the first candidate to ever turn down an invitation to a NAACP forum in New Haven.

One Man Show

So Tuesday night before a crowd of about 30 at the Elks Lodge on Webster St., Graves moderated a question and answer session for Holder-Winfield (pictured), rather than a debate between two candidates.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s his decision to make,” said Holder-Winfield, before the forum, of his opponent’s absence. “I think that people should see us juxtaposed against one another and judge our ability to answer questions on the spot and our knowledge of the issues,” he said. “One of the things you should be whenever you’re running for office is available, and that’s what I’m going to be tonight.”

Holder-Winfield took questions from voters and a panel of NAACP executive board members, on issues ranging from school vouchers to property taxes to youth violence. He said he would reexamine the effectiveness of the Early Reading Success program, and work to increase the availability of state money to grandparents raising children.

In answering the final question about why he believes Dyson has endorsed him, Holder-Winfield addressed his own personal reasons for running. “I don’t like to cry,” he said, “and I cry a lot about what happens in the community I live in. And it drives me to do something more about what’s going on. It’s not about whether I’m going to have my name on television, it’s not about whether people are going recognize me when I walk down the street. It’s about if another kid is going to live to see 17 years old.”

Minutes later, Holder-Winfield had trouble getting through his closing statement as he fought back some of those tears. “Our communities suffer because people are worried about politics,” he said. “When you look at who is going to represent you, when you look at what they have been doing — not what they’re promising you, but what they have been doing — and if you’re looking at this race and you’re serious about this race and look at who’s been working in this community, there’s only one choice you can make.”

As he handed back the mike, someone in the audience called out: “Gary, real men do cry.”

Daniels Weighs In

Former New Haven Mayor John Daniels, invited to speak after the question and answer period, sharply criticized Blango for ducking the debate, and attacked Mayor John DeStefano for practicing what he called “plantation politics” in his support for Blango.

“The candidate who got the nomination is the mayor’s candidate, not the people’s candidate, and the mayor told him not to be here tonight,” he said of Blango.

Daniels also claimed that Dyson was forced out of office. “This is typical plantation politics,” he said. “If you cannot control the black leadership, you get someone you can control to run.”

Linehan, Blango’s campaign manager, dismissed Daniel’s claims as “ridiculous.”

“This has nothing to do with the mayor, and to make those implications is like reaching for straws,” she said. “He hasn’t spoken with the mayor. He’s not the mayor’s candidate.”

Linehan reiterated that Blango’s decision not to attend was based on the scheduling of the forum so late in the campaign season. “To say anything else is to look for an excuse for why they waited this long to do something,” she said. “They had plenty of time to step up and have a forum earlier than this.”

Graves said that the NAACP, as is traditional, will hold another forum in the fall for the winner of Tuesday’s primary and his general election opponents.

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Comments

Posted by: facChek | August 6, 2008 12:46 PM

The fact is that Blango did attend two other forums held in different communities within his the 94th district. He did not complain about the notice time then, which was equal to that of the NAACP.

In the earlier forums Blango was said to "have not performed well", in the opinion of those in attendance.

The NAACP is a historic nationally known organization which historically sponsors these type of forums to assist their constituents to understand the political issues shaping their lives.
Blango does not agree, instead he made a critical political miscalculation in his decision to skip the debate in favor of door- to- door campaigning. Door to door campaigning is not state-wide or nation-wide and will not be remembered beyond the primary.

Blango, win or lose will need the backing of the NAACP in many instances as he learns his way around the political mine fields in the state legislature.

Even if Blango should win the primary, Willie Green will be eager to use this political heresy, in order to gain mileage out of a historic blunder.

He not only turned his back on the NAACP, he also dissed the Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Bad move Blango.

Posted by: big ho | August 6, 2008 1:25 PM

what did you expect from Blango....he is the Mayor's gopher..i should say stamp...and the Democractic Chair in New Haven...when they get rid of these two New Haven has a chance to change.....maybe John Daniels is right.....after all he was the Mayor.....even though it was one term.....

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 6, 2008 2:17 PM

Great comment factck
I was told by people that they did not even know Blango he had never made the effort to get out to the regular people of his community. They may have seen him do a drop in at an event, but that was at the most. HMMMMMMM

Posted by: cat2000 | August 6, 2008 3:02 PM

"Dissed" the greeks? When have they been known as catalysts for political change in the black community? These are just organizations for educated blacks who seek to distinguish themselves from our other kind of folks.

As to the NAACP, seems like someone goofed. Don't blame Blango for ducking. Of the 30 people in the audience, 25 were probably not from the ville and don't want to relate to folks from the ville. He's better off knocking on doors.

Gary better get to it if he wants to win as these fora add very little value and serve merely as a tick on the checklist of some of these social organizations.

Posted by: Old Newhallville | August 6, 2008 4:16 PM

Blango would have better served had he shown up. In fact Blango would have broken even. Gary's inability to answer any of the questions demonstrated his lack of understanding of local and state politics. Willie Greene of the two is the most qualified to serve the 94th district. It is too bad that the NAACP would not allow Greene to address those in attendance. It could have broken tradition and invited Greene to speak. If i were Greene if and when he is invited to address the NAACP he should think about declining as he was greatly disrespected in his own house. (He's a Member of the Lodge) Gary needs to spend more time in the district and get a real understanding of the districts needs and then perhaps take a run for the seat in the future. Right now my vote goes to Greene.

Posted by: urban ed | August 6, 2008 5:54 PM

Dyson forced out of office?

I've known Bill Dyson for ten years, and I have only ever known him to do a thing for one reason--because he believes it's the right thing to do.

But consider the source. Say what you want about John Destefano, but it took him fourteen years to run the city into the ground.

John Dainels achieved the same feat in only four years.

As a citizen, Mayor Daniels certainly has the right to speak out. But I would advise folks to take whatever he says with at least one grain of salt.

Posted by: 2FACED | August 6, 2008 7:05 PM

The excuses given by Linehan; Blango's campaign manager are beyond poor. Blango has never had an interest in Debating anyone at anytime or any place. This is a man who has his points typed up for him so that he can read a sentence or two at the BOA meetings...outside of the word YES, Johnny..."I would like to add a friendly amendment" has been run into the ground. The few times that he has spoken which can be counted on less than one hand; have been brief at best and specifically with one key requirement: NO DEBATING! Blango doesn't have it in him to represent us on the state level. His inability to articulate; in an open forum will make it very hard for him to be a successful conduit for the 94th District. As for the mayors camp standing by the statement, that Blango is not bein propped up by Johnny; is so hillarious! How can you have the mayors staff canvassing for BLANGO then?...do we have to name them all? Why did BLANGO use his BOE office as a political headquarters for weeks before he identified ARGYLE? The mayor is a dictator...dictators know every move on the chess board...Save the con game for the mis-informed...us bloggers are far from stupid! By the way; Linehan who are you? You have to live in the same bubble as BLANGO...you are a puppet and would better serve your golden pawn by not placing blame on the NAACP for not requesting the debate sooner...two to three weeks is more than enough time. The letter that your team sent out...or the sorry excuse they sent out...regarding preparation for a DAMN FISH FRY and knocking on doors...B**Shxt...your boss:BLANGO and his GOON SQUAD were hiding out on ARGYLE Street during the debate...I was not surprised by BLANGO's no show...he has been a damn no show in his ward for 8 miserable years...crime up, drugs up, taxes up, no youth programming introduced, no open forums for residents to express their concerns. His role at the state level will not serve the interest of taxpayers...his voting record shows that...holding the BOE accountable? He won't do that...he is the face of the BOE...Unfortunately, the poorest neighborhoods are sold out with lies,magic tricks,free spit shines and moldy day old bread.

As for Willie Green...what can he brag about? we need to leave the old poli-pimps to their vices and let GARY WINFIELD-represent us honest, hard-working people!

Posted by: James | August 6, 2008 7:07 PM

Not showing up is what Blango does best. That and mugging for the camera. Who here is surprised? The only disappointment is that he will likely remain in New Haven and continue to feed of the dying corpse of New Haven.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 6, 2008 8:36 PM

ok reminder of what this position entails

The definition of state representative.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_a_State_Representative_do

A simple question now who do you see working with the other reps to get what New Haven needs?? Who do you see those other city rep's working with.

I am sorry I just see Gary having the passion and dedication that this VERY IMPORTANT position needs. I am a taxpayer this is our money and there lack of that New Haven is getting right now. We need someone up their that can make Hartford do more for this city!!

Posted by: abg | August 7, 2008 3:46 AM

"plantation politics"? - is it just me or is someone playing the race card

Posted by: Old Newhallville | August 7, 2008 9:26 AM

2 Face what is it you? Are you in love with Greene? You are constantly attacking him and in his last response to you he was very respectful. There is a lot Greene can brag about. However he is not that kind of person. I have known him since he was a kid. I have lived in Newhallville all my life and he always represented us well. I fail to understand your anger and hatred toward him. (Political Pimp) That is really uncalled for. While many sat quietly on the Board of Aldermen he fought for to maintain residency, he was the lead voice on the BOA that opposed the increase of taxes and went on record voting against raises for the mayor and his executive staff. He fought for those who were laid off in the City of New Haven. I was very impressed with him writing legislation and getting it passed making the Board of Education accountable on how it spends taxpayers dollars. I am aware of all this because i have followed his career and i was one of those who were laid off and he was the only one that battled for us. All three have the right to run. But Greene has the greater legislative experience and understanding of city,state and federal politics and he is no stranger to Hartford. He has an impressive list of accomplishment in this city and he will represent us well in Hartford when elected.

Posted by: 2FACED | August 7, 2008 10:55 AM

Old...Old...Old, Newhallville: You have managed to gain exposure for Mr. Green through this comment blogs...He is as OLD as you and maybe GOLFING and COCKTAILS at the ELKS can fill GREEN's time when he loses. This is not about HIM; thats why I continue to dismiss his run for state rep. as wasted time and space on the BALLOT...since your his child hood friend and you are skipping down memory lane with him, find some pictures to put next to the words...BEEN THERE DONE THAT...(Place Green's Photo Here)...NO MORE TURNING BACK! HA HA HA

Posted by: Old Newhallville | August 7, 2008 3:10 PM

I find this paper interesting and more balanced than the New Haven Register. The race will not be won on this blog it will be decided at the polls. This blog is a place to exchange ideas and hopefully engage in positive conversation. As to age i am much older that Mr. Greene. In fact on August 10 I will be 80 years young. Yes i been around the block a few times and have witnessed both the good and bad times in this city and this district. You truly need to learn and practice constructive criticism. and leave the senseless and baseless attacks you levied against Mr. Greene in the closet. Is it the clothes he wears, the car he drives or the fact that he has done very well for himself and his family. He has a positive outlook on life and your barrage of attacks sounds purely personal. Yes i am supporter of Willie and will cast my vote for him in November and will encourage all my old friends and family to come out and support him. My late wife taught his daughter at Lincoln Basset School and i watched him (not his family) raise his daughter from age 4. He was not an absent father. I watched him take care of his father in his declining years. He presently is caring for his elderly mother. He did not put her in a home. She lives with him. I know this because i attend the same church as his mother. He cares about the elderly, youth, and those who have been disconnected from the mainstream. He is good man and those who know him will all say that he has the utmost respect for all people. By the way Willie is not a drinker and he is becoming a rather good golfer. He still can't beat me.

Posted by: 2FACED | August 7, 2008 8:02 PM

We get it; you can be in a burning house, forced to choose between your valuables and a chance to cast that single vote for Willie...and you would chose the latter! BRAVO! (LMAO)

Posted by: Edward_H | August 8, 2008 10:33 AM

I certainly don't blame Blango for not showing up. The vast majority of people in that district are not going to base their votes on a debate. Especially a debate sponsored by an increasingly irrelevant old dinosaur like the NAACP. Most people these days can't even tell you what the acronym of NAACP stands for.

Blango Opts Out of NAACP Debate

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