ASHLAND, WI – Congressional candidate Michael Alfonso bailed on a commitment to appear at a healthcare forum alongside his opponent, Fred Clark, on Sunday. The forum, held by members of the Wisconsin Medical Society in Ashland, would have been the candidates’ first joint appearance since the primary election in early August.
“This forum was something we agreed to weeks ago and our hosts worked very hard to put it together,” Clark said. “It was a sincere opportunity for both of us to hear directly from the medical community about the issues affecting healthcare in northern Wisconsin.”
Clark attended the forum which was held Sunday evening in Ashland. “Healthcare is really at a tipping point in this country and especially in rural America. Hearing from professionals on the front lines who see patients falling through the cracks of a broken system is valuable and I appreciate the time that they took to share their perspectives with me yesterday,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that Michael didn’t take his commitment to this event seriously enough to show up.”
Clark and Alfonso are scheduled to debate in person for the first and only time this Wednesday, October 7th, on a Duluth, Minnesota television station.
“After this I’m wondering if Michael will even show up for that event either,” Clark said. “Michael has yet to stand in a room with me and let people know what he thinks. It’s astonishing that, with all the opportunities we have today to communicate, we have someone running for Congress who flat out refuses to show up and talk with voters on the record. The people of northern Wisconsin really deserve better.”
