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Raleigh NC PAWS Debate Holt/Cooke

AKC & Cooke respond to Interview Questions

 

8/23/05 9:50 A.M. After confirming the schedule with AKC in preparation to cover the event for this website, we learned officially “the speaking engagement for Jim Holt is on hold.”  That prompted questions to Daisy Okas, AVP Communications, American Kennel Club and to Cindy Cooke, comment and questions submitted to both are:

 

There was already much discussion on the lists which summed up Dr. James Holt’s cancellation of the scheduled PAWS debate in conjunction with the Tarheel circuit as: he called it off rather than face Cindy Cooke in a debate.

 

Would you kindly respond to these questions which may clear up the rumors for now.

1.) When was Cindy Cooke made aware of the cancellation, and in what manner?

2.) Did Cindy broadcast or where there others who knew and leaked?

3.) Who cancelled (I assume it was not Cindy) and what reason was she given?

4.) Is/was she agreeable to whatever the venue was?  Was Dr. Holt not?

5.) It is a huge (complex) and meetings are often held in the Obedience area.  Is SHE still willing to do the debate on schedule somewhere on the grounds?

 

That same morning, Ms. Okas responded promptly
AKC: The cluster canceled the invitation to use the room - it has nothing to do with Jim or the AKC.”

 

That afternoon, we received the following response from Cindy Cooke:

 

1.) When was she made aware of the cancellation, and in what manner?

Pat Babuin, the cluster chairperson, faxed Bob Peters of the Federation on August 19 to tell him that she was rescinding permission for the Federation to use the building for the debate. I was notified by e-mail on the 20th. The Federation told me that they were trying to locate another venue. They were somewhat hampered by the fact that their constitution prohibits officers from spending more than $500 without a vote and they didn't have sufficient time to call a special meeting.


2.) Did Cindy broadcast or where there others who knew and leaked?

I e-mailed a couple of friends to tell them that the venue had been canceled and I also advised the delegate's e-mail list.


3.) Who cancelled (I assume it was not Cindy) and what reason was she given?

The decision to cancel was made by Pat Babuin who is the chairperson of the cluster committee. Reasons given included: The fact that the Federation was charging $5 admission; the fact that the Federation had made the debate "open to the public"; the fact that the Federation had notified "other organizations" of the debate; concern that the debate might be disruptive; and the fact that she had already authorized another organization (the Cary KC) to use the room.


4.) Is/was she (Cooke) agreeable to whatever the venue was?  Was Dr. Holt not?

To my knowledge, both Dr. Holt and I are still planning to attend the debate. The Federation has found a new venue on the Fairgrounds site and is now finalizing the rental contract.


5.) It is a huge (complex)… Is Cooke still willing to do the debate on schedule somewhere on the grounds?

As far as I'm concerned, the debate will still go on as planned.

 

Later that day, Ms. Cooke also stated “I believe the Federation has found a benefactor to rent the venue, but I have not been officially notified of that fact.”

 

 

A great deal has since transpired and details will continue to develop. 

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