At least one voice will be missing when candidates wishing to represent Cayuga County sound off on local issues.

And two others could still come off a list of scheduled forums.

Beginning Oct. 14, a series of candidate forums will air on Time Warner Cable channel 12. The debates, which are to be taped at Cayuga Community College, will feature candidates vying for local seats at the county, state and federal levels answering questions from the local media.

But one Congressional candidate has turned down the invitation. Forum coordinators have also not heard confirmation from a local legislative candidate and a second Congressional candidate with the deadline coming tomorrow.

According to his campaign, Dan Maffei, the Democratic candidate for the 25th Congressional District, will not appear on the forum scheduled for Oct. 16. Maffei spokesman Michael Whyland said Tuesday that the candidate would not be able to appear due to a “scheduling conflict.”

The 25th District includes northern Cayuga County, as well as portions of Wayne and Onondaga counties.

“We're always concerned when he can't make an appearance like this,” Whyland said. “That said, there are close to a dozen forums and debates where voters will have a chance to hear Dan speak and listen to his stance on the issues.”

Howie Hawkins, the third 25th District candidate, said Tuesday evening that he is interested in participating but had not yet contacted the organizers.

If he does confirm, the channel will feature a forum with him and Republican candidate Dale Sweetland.

U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri's campaign representatives also said a scheduling conflict could keep the Congressman from participating in a debate for 24th District candidates.

Arcuri's campaign manager, Jordan Karp, said Tuesday that they are still negotiating with forum organizers and “trying to find an alternative date.” If that can't happen, Arcuri's opponent, Richard Hanna, will be featured in an interview.

Karp pointed out that a different televised debate featuring both candidates will air 7 p.m. Oct. 8 on channel 10.

Forum moderator Guy Cosentino said Tuesday he has yet to get a confirmation from Cindy Aikman, who is running for Cayuga County Legislature's 15th district against current Legislator Patrick McIntosh. That debate is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Aikman did not return a phone call from The Citizen Tuesday.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.

Televised debate schedule

The forums on Time Warner Cable channel 12 are subject to change.

Oct. 14

7 p.m. - Assemblyman Brian Kolb vs. Noah Sargent, 129th Assembly District

8 p.m. - Rep. Michael Arcuri• vs. Richard Hanna, 24th Congressional District

Oct. 16

7 p.m. - Howie Hawkins• vs. Dale Sweetland, 25th Congressional District

8 p.m. - Assemblyman Gary D. Finch vs. Barbara King, 123rd Assembly District

Oct. 21

7 p.m. - County Legislator Patrick McIntosh vs. Cindy Aikman,• 15th Legislative District

8 p.m. - State Sen. Michael F. Nozzolio vs. Paloma Cappana, 54th Senate District

Oct. 23

7 p.m. - State Sen. David Valesky vs. James DiStefano, 49th Senate District

• Indicates candidate has not confirmed as of Tuesday they will participate