VIDEO: Wellsville Mayor Debate Brings Villagers, Candidates Together

The first live debate in Wellsville since 2016 was held at the Nancy Howe Auditorium

By Andrew Harris Pictured are Mayor Randy Shayler, moderator John Anderson and challenger Marshall Green

A diverse audience dared to take part in the first live debate in Wellsville since 2016.

John Anderson, former editor of the Wellsville Daily Reporter and managing editor of the Wellsville Sun, led the audience and candidates through just over an hour of debate. Incumbent Mayor Randy Shayler and his challenger Marshall Green gave the room plenty to think about and talk about in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 5 vote.

The debate began with opening statements from both candidates and then moved to a question-and-answer session. The candidates were provided with six topics to be covered to enable meaningful preparation. The candidates were not provided with the questions before the debate.

We’ve selected topics that have been particularly relevant recently and topics that speak to broader concerns.

The opening questions asked of each candidate directly addressed some of the controversial issues in which both men were directly involved. Questions about the legal challenges Green had brought against the Village of Wellsville and Shayler’s pursuit of eminent domain to purchase the town’s parking lot were at the forefront of the debate.

Below you will find the first section of the evening. The remaining video sections follow a summary of the questions we asked and topics the candidates discussed.

The first question of the evening went directly to the issue driving Green’s campaign against Shayler: “The village board decided to limit public comments during regular monthly meetings. Why was this decision made?“

The next major issue Anderson brought to the candidates’ table was the Great Wellsville Municipal Parking Lot War and the village’s use of eminent domain: “Was this the appropriate use of eminent domain powers? Why or why not?

Next came a broader topic for the candidates, to whom the moderator asked a two-part question about housing and code enforcement:

• How does Wellsville provide the housing necessary for economic growth?
• In many parts of the city, the housing stock is rotting. How does the village speed up the eradication of the blight and its replacement with new housing? ?

Next, each candidate was asked to do so “Provide an assessment of Shayler’s two terms in office. Please give us details about this.“

After discussing Shayler’s eight-year tenure, The spotlight turned to Green’s announced three-pointer plan he should be chosen.

Vision 2034 was the last topic asked of the candidates: If elected, explain how this will impact Wellsville a decade from now. What will you do in the next four years that will bear fruit in a decade?

After some back and forth about the future of Wellsville, the candidates had a few minutes to make a closing statement.

Below are the remaining portions of the interview, produced by John Anderson, who also moderated the event. Anderson was assisted by Julius Korytkowski.