Event begins at 7pm, doors open at 630pm
Allegany County Democrats and Republicans will be registering voters, showcasing candidates
The Alfred State Bandwagon will be document the event, offer post-debate analysis
By Andrew Harris
Much as changed since Mayor Randy Shayler took the stage to debate then Mayor Judy Lynch in 2016. In that pre-Covid world, the Nancy Howe Auditorium was full of curious attendees who enjoyed the spirited public conversation. From my recollection, the debate directly impacted the election and offered voters what they deserve: Interaction with candidates, fellow residents, even those they had political disagreements with.
2020 didn’t have a debate. Shayler wasn’t seriously opposed and we were all freshly introduced to the joy of Covid-19.
This year we hope to get the residents, voters, local business owners, local elected officials, and the media back in the debate business. The leadership of the largest village in Allegany County has a big impact on the local economy, small businesses, and nieghboring municipalities. If you live in Scio, or the Town of Wellsville, or Bolivar; The village of Wellsville government impacts you.
We are happy to announce that both the Allegany County Democrat and Republican parties will be greeting debate-goers, registering voters, and promoting their local candidates.
While the event will not be live streamed, the Alfred State Bandwagon club will be recording the debate and offering some post-debate analysis. Despite a few cries for a live stream we’ve made it clear: This is an in-person event. Like one local power couple told us, “We can’t wait! Going out for dinner and having a debate-date night!!”
The debate will give candidates six topics to discuss with moderator John Anderson. The debate will be about ninety minutes in length with each candidate given the opportunity to make opening and closing statements.

We have been taking reader polls to gauge support for the candidates. While the poll is far from scientific it has shown a significant lead for Mayor Shayler. In the most recent results, Marshall Green has gained a few points and for purely entertainment purposes, readers have suggested a few “write-in” candidates:
Josh Hyde
Christy Samick
Calvin Demarte
Ray Auman
Greg McAndrew
Joe Mama
Tim O’Grady
