Allegheny County Council President John DeFazio, D-Shaler, dropped out of the county council at-large primary’s only scheduled debate Wednesday afternoon, less than three hours before the debate was scheduled to occur.
“He had a family issue that required that he be with his family, and with John, family comes first” said political consultant Mike Mikus, speaking on behalf of the campaign.
“He regrets that he is not able to participate. He was looking forward to it,” said Mr. Mikus.
“We need a councilperson who shows up for us. I will be at tonight’s debate ready to answer questions, just as I promised,” said challenger Bethany Hallam, 29, of Ross.
Judy Clack, chair of voter services for the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, said she had received the signed agreement from Mr. DeFazio, 78, on Sunday.
The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan civic advocacy organization, hosts primary and general election debates across the region. Wednesday’s debate between Mr. DeFazio and Ms. Hallam was scheduled to take place alongside a debate between the four candidates for the county’s Court of Common Pleas vacancy.
“The League of Women Voters is very disappointed that all the residents of Allegheny County will not be able to hear from these two people who will be representing the whole county,” said Ms. Clack.
The organization’s rules prohibit hosting a debate without both candidates present, but because Mr. DeFazio withdrew on such short notice, Ms. Hallam will be allowed to give a short statement, said Ms. Clack.
Ms. Hallam’s statement, alongside the Common Pleas primary debate, will be streamed live on the league’s Facebook page, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Video will remain available after the event, which is being held at the Student Services Center Foerster Auditorium on the CCAC Allegheny Campus in the North Side, at 808 Ridge Ave.
“He does feel bad. He’s been campaigning,” said Mr. Mikus. “Hopefully he’ll be back on the trail soon.”
Christopher Huffaker: 412-263-1724, chuffaker@post-gazette.com, or on Twitter @huffakingit.
First Published: May 15, 2019, 9:11 p.m.
