Long-Awaited Preston/Abdelazim Debate

10/25/2012 (Updated 11:04:23 PM)

It's the debate that Tarik Abdelazim has been pushing for-- and the debate that he says his opponent, Debbie Preston has been avoiding.

It was held Thursday night at Broome Community College--sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

And, unlike an earlier debate  which the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce sponsored--and did not allow to be recorded or broadcast--journalists' cameras and recording devices were rolling.

One of the cameras was fox 40's and the reporter was Tom Allen:

It was a packed house Thursday night at Broome Community College as Republican Broome County Executive Debbie Preston faced off against Democratic challenger Tarik Abdelazim.  Among the top issues discussed:  creating jobs,  flood prevention and the county budget.

"We've also delivered a budget with a 0 percent increase, we cut salaries. We took away county cars.  We stopped kicking the can down the road." said Broome County Executive Debbie Preston.

"We have to make sure we balance as elected officials our responsibilities to the taxpayers,  but also provide the essential services that protect the social well being and economic health of our residents." said Tarik Abdelazim, Broome County Executive Candidate. 

The candidates also debated the issues of fracking and privatizing certain areas of the Willow Point Nursing Home.  From  the start of the  debate the candidates took repeated jabs at each other, which set the tone for the entire meeting.

"Now there's less than 2 weeks to go before Broome residents head to the polls to decide who will lead the county and some residents told us the debate will help them decide who the best person is for the job.

"It was really a wonderful opportunity for the community to hear the 2 very different types of people who are running for office and I think there differences came out really clear."  said Vestal Resident Karen Glauber.

At Broome Community College, Tom Allen, Fox 40 News.