The Jersey City Independent"

Mayor Healy is opting out of the first mayoral debate, set for April 1 at 1 pm at the Loew’s Theater, Politicker reports. The campaign isn’t participating, a letter says, because “the mayor will give first priority to attending debates that are sponsored by respected, fair and unbiased organizations that reach a broad audience.” The Loew’s debate is hosted by local TV and radio talker Pat O’Melia and will be broadcast on Comcast at a later date.

“This is the one debate that most residents who can’t get out to a town hall debate can watch on TV,” mayoral hopeful Lou Manzo tells Politicker. “So I hope he reconsiders.”

Reached by JCI yesterday, other mayoral candidates expressed their disappointment in the mayor’s snubbing.

Dan Levin said Healy’s move was “disappointing but not suprising,” as he argues Healy has not made a habit of connecting with the community during his tenure. Levin said it was ultimately the public that is getting shorted by the mayor’s decision.

“We find it unfortunate because we’re willing to attend every debate,” L. Harvey Smith campaign spokesman Jack Butchko told us.

Healy campaign spokesperson Bud Demellier tells Politicker that the mayor has thus far agreed to participate in three forums. He will be at the Heights Coalition’s April 2 forum (7 pm at Christa McAuliffe Elementary, 167 Hancock Ave.); the AARP’s forum (scheduled for April 4) and the Downtown Coalition of Neighborhood Associations’ forum (scheduled for April 23).