Instead of holding a televised debate on Tuesday, the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, New York City mayoral candidates Bill de Blasio and Joseph J. Lhota have requested to move their debate to Wednesday.
"This is the most respectful and appropriate way to honor the memories of those who were lost, and to stand with those who are still struggling to recover," the candidates said over the weekend in a joint statement according to AM New York. "This day should be marked with solemn reflection and remembrance."
The city's Campaign Finance Board, which oversees the debates, made the decision to move the debates Sunday night. The board's executive director Amy M. Loprest released a statement saying, "The next mayor will be responsible for helping the affected families recover, and for helping a wounded city become more resilient. The first anniversary of Sandy's landfall can serve to focus this discussion about the future of our city. Out of respect to those who are still rebuilding, we join all New Yorkers in commemorating the storm on Tuesday," reports the New York Times.
"When it was scheduled, I made the CFB aware of this issue," Lhota said Sunday night. De Blasio's campaign said it alerted the board to the conflict on Oct. 17.
"I'd rather be holding hands along the shoreline," said Lhota, who was MTA chairman when Sandy struck, killing dozens and leaving communities in tatters.
The debate will now be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and broadcast on WNBC Channel 4 as well as other television, radio and online outlets. Unlike the first two debates, this one will run for 90 minutes, though the last half-hour will not be seen on network television.
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