Donna Diana Backs Down on Debating Susan Siegel

NEWS RELEASE

June 22, 2024

Donna Diana Backs Down on Debating Susan Siegel

Donna Diana, the Republican candidate for the vacant seat on the Town Board in the July 23rdSpecial Election has decided not to debate her opponent Susan Siegel.

The announcement, in the form of a text message that was sent on Friday, June 21st from Republican Committee Chairman Kevin Byrnes, came as a surprise as the two party chairs had agreed to two tentative dates July 11 or July 12, a few weeks ago. The debate was supposed to have been held at the Yorktown Stage.

“As recently as June 18th, Kevin told me he was waiting for Donna to decide between the two dates,” Mark Lieberman, co-chair of the Yorktown Democratic Committee said. “So you can imagine my surprise at this last minute change.”

Debates between candidates have been a regular feature in Yorktown local elections for years, the last one being in March for the April Special Election for Town Supervisor. Held at the Yorktown Stage, the large size of the audience showed that there was high interest among Yorktown voters in learning more about their candidates.

“I’m obviously disappointed that Yorktown voters will not have the opportunity to experience a live exchange between Ms. Diana and me,” Siegel said. “A live one-on-one exchange is one of the best ways for voters to make up their minds which candidate is most qualified for the job, and best represents their interests.”

Last month, Ms. Diana turned down an offer from the Yorktown News to have her own column in the newspaper. As a result, and out of a sense of fairness, the publisher decided to suspend Siegel’s regular column.

It is unfortunate that the people of Yorktown will not be able to see and hear the contrast between the experienced Ms. Siegel, who is a former Town Supervisor and Town Councilwoman, and Mrs. Diana, who has no town government experience, at a debate.