Members of the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County are offering a clarification regarding recent comments about a potential debate for the First Ward Common Council Democratic Primary.

Incumbent Don Williams Jr., in an interview with the OBSERVER last week, stated he would not debate the endorsed Democratic candidate Natalie Luczkowiak due to concerns about the event being “in person.” His full comment to the OBSERVER was this: “I didn’t think having a live debate was the safest thing for any of the residents or supporters of her or I,” he said, noting Common Council meetings are being held virtually.

“Even though I’m fully vaccinated it’s not about my health. It’s about the health of my supporters, her supporters, city residents and anyone who wants to go.”

The League, in a statement released Tuesday, said their conversation with Williams was not even long enough to broach that topic.

“Our Voter Services Committee representative called Don Williams on April 13, 2021, to ask if he would like to debate Natalie Luczkowiak,” said Mary Croxon, county League president.

“His response was ‘no.’ Don Williams never indicated in any way that his refusal was based upon COVID-19 related fears of an ‘in person’ live debate. Had he given that reason, we would have stated that we are meeting virtually.”

Croxton said other debates are already scheduled through Zoom virtually. They include:

¯ A virtual Meet The Candidates will take place on Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. for the three seats on the Fredonia Board of Education. Candidates include: Courtney Gullo, Aaron Marshall, Jillian Domenico, Marieanne Fabiano and Sheila Starkey Hahn.

¯ A Zoom debate between incumbent Legislator Christine Starks and challenger Susan Parker for the Democratic nomination for District 4, which is parts of Fredonia and Pomfret.

Croxton did note that the League would again be reaching out to Williams. “We hope this clarifies the situation,” she said.