Letter from Phyllis Sherman

Concerns About Lack of Debate

I am writing this letter because of deep concerns about how Jennifer Basile views her role if she is to be elected as our next County Clerk. These views are my own.

MacGuire Benton and Jennifer Basile were both invited to speak at my congregation’s breakfast meeting that took place in Oneonta over the weekend. Mr. Benton responded right away that he would come. Ms. Basile never responded at all, despite being offered a choice of formats, one of which would have had no contact with her opponent.

She has turned down multiple options by the League of Women Voters to debate. A requirement of an elected official is to be able to talk and educate your constituency in a public forum and debate the menu of ideas that your opponent offers. Without this, how can the people of Otsego County make an informed decision about her candidacy.

I can only surmise that Ms. Basile thinks talking to and answering questions from citizens and her potential constituents is unimportant. We are a diverse group who would like to hear about both sides of the issues.

What does that say about someone running for an elected office? It says that she has no wish to listen to our concerns. It also says that she was completely dismissive of us, that we don’t count and don’t deserve to be treated with respect. Not responding to our invitation speaks volumes about the way she will treat people going forward. It’s without a doubt that MacGuire Benton should be elected our next Otsego County clerk.

Phyllis Sherman
Oneonta