Libertarian Abe Alassaf and Democrat Bill Bias focused on one another’s experience in front of a crowd of about 20 people Thursday night at the Candidates’ Forum for Athens County treasurer, but Alassaf’s closing statements surprised even the veterans of such forums.
In his final statement, Alassaf, an Ohio University senior studying pre-law, questioned Bias’ integrity because of what he described as a conflict of interest involving Bias’ nursing home company.
Alassaf quoted parts of an editorial in The Athens News that was critical of Bias’ performance as Athens City Council president.
Mayor Paul Wiehl said the forum’s ending was somewhat unorthodox.
“That was kind of a low blow,” Wiehl said.
“It’s not really worthwhile to question Bill Bias’ honesty. I mean, it would’ve been brought up by someone else in Council if it was ever truly an issue. There are checks and balances to take care of stuff like that.”
Bias started the debate by focusing on his career milestones leading up to the treasurer race and said he feels he’s been training to be Athens County treasurer for his entire life.
Alassaf countered by describing responsibilities he has taken at home, such as assuming the role of the head of the household when his father died in 2010. He acquired everything under his father’s name and had to take care of his siblings.
“I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone,” Alassaf said.
Though he said he didn’t have anywhere close to the qualifications of Bias, who spent 18 years serving on city council, Alassaf talked about how eager he was to learn the intricacies of the position.
“I will live and die in Athens,” Alassaf said. “I want to serve this county, and this is my path to do so. Bill has more qualifications, but it’s meaningless if you can’t be trusted. If elected, I will be a government watchdog. I won’t sit back and let things happen.”
The county treasurer could be handling about $50 million at any given time, Bias said.
Both spoke about making it easier for residents to pay their property taxes online.
“It will be better if we are more accessible, and that starts with a website,” Alassaf said.
Bias felt that the most important quality needed for the position is experience, whereas Alassaf claimed it is honesty.
“My friends all think I am way too blunt and honest, and I take pride in that,” Alassaf said.
Ellsworth Holden, co-president of the League of Women’s Voters, moderated the forum and said he was pleased with how the evening played out. The League partnered with the Athens Public Library to host the forums this year.
“It was exactly what we wanted to have,” Holden said. “Sometimes we have more in the audience, but a lot of thoughtful residents asked a lot of good questions, and I thought that was very valuable. It’s one of the pluses of a smaller group; tonight, everyone got a chance.”
Candidates for county commissioner will debate next at the Athens Public Library on Oct. 9th.
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