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According to New Canaan News Online, Republican First Selectman Rob Mallozzi chose not to take part in the debate that had been set for Oct. 19. He would have faced petitioning candidate Michael Nowacki. There is no Democratic candidate in the race.
Kit Devereaux, president of the New Canaan League of Women Voters, explained the group’s position in a letter:
“With a sense of real regret, the League of Women Voters of New Canaan has canceled its longstanding annual candidates’ debate. The decision to cancel was advised by the State of Connecticut League of Women Voters as a result of the league’s strong policy to remain nonpartisan. With only one candidate to be featured in the first selectman spot and only Republican spots in contention for Town Council, the debate did not meet that criterion.
“The mission of the New Canaan LWV is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. Our candidates’ debate is intended to benefit the citizens of New Canaan. It is not held for the benefit of the candidates. This year, we believe that the best way we can pursue that goal, and maintain our policy to remain nonpartisan, is through wide distribution of our Voters’ Guide.
“This has not been a typical political season for New Canaan. The collegial atmosphere of the past has been replaced with threats of lawsuits and legal proceedings. Although this is not the reason for the cancellation of the debate, residents have expressed their concern that the atmosphere is so negatively charged that they would not feel comfortable participating in or attending the political debate for this year.
“We are fortunate to live in a town that offers an extraordinary quality of life. It is important to value what we have here. Please take the time to learn about the issues and about the candidates … and above all, please exercise your valuable right to vote.”
To read the full story at New Canaan News Online, go here.
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