PERTH AMBOY - Today, 13th Congressional District candidate Joseph Vas, Mayor of Perth Amboy, called on his opponent, Albio Sires, to participate in 10 debates before the June primary. “So far the missing component in this election has been the voice of Albio Sires,� declared Mayor Vas.

“Albio is engaged in a deliberate strategy of hiding from the press and the voters,� Vas charged. “To date, we have only heard comments from his paid political operatives. Albio seems unwilling to speak for himself.�

Vas’ proposal is to hold 10 debates to include all four counties, plus major media and constituency groups.

“I’m going to make it easy on Albio,� Vas stated. “I propose that the first debate be sponsored by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, this month. If Albio is reluctant to even speak before them, then what does that tell you?� Vas asked.

“Being congressman is a serious job. As a congressman you need to stand up every day and argue for your district and for your positions. If you won’t speak then how do you do the job?� Vas continued. “Further, the voters have the right to know where you stand on the issues and to take your measure. They can’t do that if they can’t see and hear you,� Vas stated.

“I’m sure Mr. Sires’ reply will be full of phrases like “at the appropriate time� or “having other ways to talk to voters� and they’ll all be excuses for not debating. The public deserves nothing less than a full and repeated airing of the issues and differences between us. Anything else is a cop-out,� Vas concluded.