The “kitchen-table-style” debates between Marc Lessard and Marc Malon are being developed as part of a joint partnership between two Biddeford-based news outlets
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
The two candidates who hope to represent Biddeford’s District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives have agreed to participate in two robust, one-on-one debates now being organized by two local news organizations, the Biddeford Gazette and the Biddeford Buzz.
Following what he described as a “poorly attended candidate forum” last week, independent candidate Marc Lessard issued a challenge to Democrat incumbent Marc Malon for two “kitchen table-style” debates before the Nov. 3 election.
Malon quickly accepted Lessard’s challenge.
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Details and scheduling of the debates are now being coordinated as part of a joint, collaborative effort by the two local news organizations.
Lessard issued a press release, saying he wanted voters to have a clear understanding about the differences between the two candidates and said a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Heart of Biddeford last week offered an “awkward and confusing format” that included candidates from three different legislative races.
Randy Seaver from the Gazette and Joshua Wolfe from the Buzz have agreed to collaborate in planning the two direct debates in the coming weeks.
The debates between Lessard and Malon will be livestreamed and recorded for Biddeford voters at locations to be determined.
“I think Biddeford, compared to almost every town in Maine, is extremely lucky to have two reporters who are out on the street every day covering the news,” Lessard said. “Both Marc Malon and I have agreed that no topic is off the table.
“I expect these reporters to ask really tough questions,” Lessard said. “The tradition of robust political debate goes all the way back to Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, but it’s been a disappearing art in recent years. I give credit to my opponent for his willingness to debate and provide voters with real insight about the differences between us.”
Lessard said the debate structure, a live-streaming channel and logistics have yet to be determined, but he anticipates Seaver and Wolfe having those details worked out in the very near future.
Malon is serving his second term as a state representative. Lessard is serving his 12th term as a Biddeford city councilor.
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