Black Slams Spencer on Mailers [Video]

Recent debate over campaign mailers spilled over to a candidate forum in Greenlawn Thursday as 18th Legislative District candidates sounded off on the issue.

Throughout his campaign, 18th LD candidate William Spencer, a Democrat, criticized Black's votes as a Huntington Board of Education trustee to raise taxes. One mailer sent out by Spencer showed Black . Another stated she "shortchanged kids."

Both candidates are fighting for the soon to be vacated seat of outgoing Majority Leader Jon Cooper, a Democrat, who is term-limited. 

After weeks of virtual silence on the issue, Black confronted Spencer regarding the mailers in front of a large audience at the League of Women Voters-sponsored event at Harborfields Public Library. 

"When you start saying things like Liz Black has shortchanged our kids, please ... I love kids," said Black. "I am sorry that my opponent has  decided to run this type of campaign."  

Spencer said he believes in bringing people together.

"I am honored to run with Liz Black," said Spencer, garnering a reaction from Black. "I would like to distinguish ourselves on the issues."

South Huntington School Board President recently who use the tax issue to try to gain an advantage over school board members.

"Rather than focusing on issues completely outside their jurisdiction, those seeking election should solve their own problems before attacking others," said Kaden in a letter to Patch earlier this week.

Kaden was in attendance at the forum Thursday night.

The election is Nov. 8.