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Stafford debate loses another candidate

One more Stafford County Board of Supervisors candidate to boycott debate tonight

Date published: 8/23/2007

BY KAFIA HOSH

Another Democratic candidate for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors has turned down an invitation for a political forum tonight.

Bob Woodson, who is running in the Griffis-Widewater District, will not participate in the debate hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

He is boycotting the event along with fellow Democratic candidates Jerry Kirven, who is running in the Rock Hill District, and Harry Crisp, who is vying to represent the George Washington District.

The men say they are concerned that the forum is co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association and the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors.

Like Kirven and Crisp, Woodson said he's uncomfortable with the debate questions, which mostly relate to development and land-use issues.

"Every question on this concerns the interest of developers," he said. "My campaign is about protecting citizens' interests."

Woodson's opponent is incumbent and board Chairman Jack Cavalier.

An Independent, Cavalier also expressed reservations with the debate format. But he said it hasn't stopped him from joining the discourse because the forum involves the entire building industry--not just developers.

"All of those aspects of building, whether it be residential or commercial, are affected," he said. "The building community is a big part of our local economy, too."

Cavalier said he's disappointed Woodson and the other Democratic candidates are not participating in the forum.

"I certainly think that the debate could have outlined some differences" of opinion, he said. "But at this point, people won't have an opportunity to make that assessment."

The forum will be held at 7 tonight at Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road, Stafford.

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Date published: 8/23/2007