By Howard Koplowitz
A debate between congressional candidates Bob Turner and state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) set for Monday night was canceled after Weprin bowed out of the forum, citing the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
“The hurricane caused major logistical and scheduling problems for the campaign and, as a result, David is not able to make the debate,” said Weprin campaign spokeswoman Elizabeth Kerr.
The debate, sponsored by the Juniper Park Civic Association and the Times Newsweekly, was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday in Middle Village.
Turner’s campaign went on the attack against Weprin as being in “hiding” and said it offered to drive the assemblyman to the forum if he could not make it himself.
Turner, a Republican, said one of his volunteers drove Monday afternoon between Weprin’s campaign office at 72-50 Austin St. in Forest Hills and the Bel Mondo Restaurant at 79-28 Metropolitan Ave., where the debate was to take place, and discovered that the roads were clear enough for Weprin to make it to the forum.
Turner, who lives in Breezy Point, was evacuated from his home as Irene approached.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
