Ben Cantu has tried to challenge Mayor Steve DeBrum to additional debates beyond ones scheduled by the San Joaquin County League of Women Voters and the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

 One of the dates Cantu’s camp picked is this Thursday.  In a press release Cantu’s campaign says “the community is invited to attend an open debate on Manteca’s future on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m.” The press release goes on to note “The campaign of Benjamin Cantu, candidate for Manteca Mayor, invited Mayor Steve DeBrum to participate in this debate of the issues and of the future of Manteca. Mr. Cantu has confirmed his participation.”
The only problem is DeBrum has not accepted. He was already scheduled to attend an event Thursday as Manteca’s representative at a League of California Cities meeting.

And a previous date picked out by Cantu was a no-go because it would have taken place the same evening and time as a scheduled city council meeting.

“Steve (DeBrum) is looking forward to sharing his views on Manteca’s future at next Tuesday’s debate,” noted DeBrum’s campaign manager Steve Reid.

That debate is being staged by the League of Women Voters of San Joaquin County in partnership with the Manteca Bulletin on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m.  at the Manteca Transit Center, 220 Moffat Blvd. The first segment of the forum will be dedicated to the four candidates seeking two seats Nov. 6 on the Manteca City Council. The second part will feature Cantu and DeBrum, the two mayoral hopefuls.

The candidate forum is open to the public. Candidates will answer questions from a panel and from the audience.

Cushman noted the debate Cantu’s campaign tried to arrange for this Thursday will be moving forward with at least Cantu’s participation.

The event will be held at Chez Shari, which is located at 305 N. Union Road in Manteca. The event is free and open to the public, and light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Cantu and DeBrum along with the council hopefuls participated in last week’s Manteca Chamber of Commerce candidates’ forum that was conducted at The Emory.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com