An Annandale resident is hoping to muster more enthusiasm for local political races in this year’s elections by hosting a debate in his front yard. Denny D’Alelio invited Fairfax County Supervisor John Cook, a Republican representing the Braddock District, and challengers Democrat Janet Oleszek and independent Carey Campbell to an hourlong debate Sept. 24 at his home, the second of what he said will be 10 forums among the candidates before the Nov. 8 election.
D’Alelio is a precinct captain for the Republican Party but insists he has no agenda outside of promoting participation at the polls. He hopes the number of debates, the outdoor setting and the participation from the audience will be reminiscent of the famed 19th century debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
Because Virginians go to the polls every year for state and federal elections, “the fatigue factor is hard not to underestimate,” D’Alelio said. “It’ll be an interesting twist on local elections but this will go back to older time when people get involved.”
In a format similar to the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the supervisor candidates will spend the first 30 minutes answering questions from each other and the rest of the time taking questions from the audience. D’Alelio has invited candidates to his house in the past, including Gov. Bob McDonnell, and drew about 150 neighbors. He expects at least as many will show up for the Saturday afternoon affair.
“This isn’t a Tea Party thing or a Republican thing or a Democrat thing, this is a neighborhood thing,” he said. “It’s my belief that supervisor elections are less about political parties than it is about capabilities.”
