HANCOCK – Hancock Democrats will be hosting an election forum for the upcoming town supervisor’s election.

The evening is set for Friday, September 26, at the Hancock Fire Department’s Clubhouse located at 181 Park Street across from Orall’s garage.  Doors open at 6pm. 

The theme for the forum will be the key role that the Hancock supervisor plays in the region. Hancock is not only the biggest town in Delaware County but the gateway to economic development in the Upper Delaware River Valley.

Current Hancock Supervisor Jerry Vernold, a Republican, has accepted the invitation to answer questions submitted by the public. His opponent on November 4, Dave Rubera, who won the Republican primary in June, has declined.

There are no Democrats on the ballot this November for town offices in Hancock.

Possible questions for the forum are due by Monday, September 15. They can be submitted to the Hancock Democrats by e-mail or placed in a box at The Hancock Herald’s office, located next to the post office in the village.  Please include your name with submitted ideas.

Questions will be winnowed down and organized.  Town Dems’ chair John Ogozalek will ask the questions the evening of the forum and act as moderator. The goal is to focus on the challenging job a town supervisor faces in New York State within the time frame of an hour worth of questions.

“This is not meant to be one of those free-for-all, town hall-style events,” said Ogozalek. “Remember what presidential debates were like years ago when organizers such as the League of Women voters were involved?  That’s our goal. There was a seriousness of purpose back then. We want to shed light not heat on this important local election.” 

The recently restarted Hancock Democratic Committee has been meeting twice a month and has welcomed local residents representing a wide range on the political spectrum.

“Many thanks to both the Hancock and East Branch Fire Departments for allowing us to use their meeting spaces. Thanks also to both Mr. Vernold and Mr. Rubera for responding quickly when we’ve reached out to them,” Ogozalek said. “I remain convinced that if we intend to hold our nation together at this unprecedented moment in its history, it has to begin in places like the town of Hancock.” 

For more information or to submit question ideas:  hancocknydemcocrats@gmail.com.