Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

WILKES-BARRE — The candidates for the District B city council seat won’t debate and it has everything to do with what’s happened in the race so far, one of them said.

Republican incumbent Tony Brooks on Friday confirmed he declined an invitation to debate from Mark Shaffer, his Democratic opponent in the Nov. 5 general election. The campaign has been nasty with personal attacks on social media that Brooks said alarmed him.

“I’m not shying away from anything, but I am extremely sad, angry and some of his supporters actually scare me,” Brooks said in response to a news release issued by Shaffer earlier in the day.

Attempts to reach Brooks by text and social media were unsuccessful, Shaffer said in his statement. They finally met in person Thursday night at the city council meeting, Shaffer added, and Brooks declined the invitation, denying residents the opportunity to learn about the differences between the candidates.

“If Brooks believes he is the best choice for our city, he should not shy away from talking about his plans for Wilkes-Barre in a public forum,” Shaffer said in his statement.

Brooks said he did not receive a text. Instant messages sent to his political campaign Facebook page notify the sender to contact Brooks by the phone number that’s included.

The Downtown Residents’ Association had a forum, Brooks responded. They’ll have the opportunity to meet face-to-face at the upcoming candidates forum on Oct. 17 hosted by the NAACP Wilkes-Barre chapter at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Brooks said.

Shaffer said he and his campaign “are committed to holding a public debate with Brooks and will continue to extend the invitation up until (Election Day).”

But anything organized by Shaffer is not something Brooks would agree to.

“His campaign has created a toxic environment that I am concerned for the safety of my family and supporters in a room that would be stacked with his people,” Brooks said.

Mark Shaffer, Democratic candidate for Wilkes-Barre city council District B. Submitted photo
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_shaffer-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMark Shaffer, Democratic candidate for Wilkes-Barre city council District B. Submitted photo

Tony Brooks, Republican incumbent for Wilkes-Barre city council District B. Times Leader file photo
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_TTL122918Museum_2.jpg.optimal.jpgTony Brooks, Republican incumbent for Wilkes-Barre city council District B. Times Leader file photo
WILKES-BARRE CITY COUNCIL

By Jerry Lynott

[email protected]

Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.