Unlike the case in congressional races or state races, where you're likely to see candidates do a series of debates, when it comes to municipal races, besides the one debate held by the Danbury chamber of commerce, the community gets the short end of the stick.
...which is why this announcement from Democratic mayoral candidate Gary Goncalves is refreshing.
Democratic Mayoral candidate, Gary M. Goncalves, announced today that he has accepted offered dates extended by the League of Women Voters for a Danbury Mayoral Debate.
“I have accepted the debate dates of October 20th and October 22nd and expect the incumbent to do the same,” Goncalves said. He added, “Danbury voters deserve to hear from the candidates regarding the issues that affect our daily lives and those of our children. I challenge Mr. Boughton to agree to more debates so the important matters of our city can be thoroughly discussed and, as a result, our positions better known. Danbury and her citizens truly deserve nothing less”.
Mr. Goncalves already has agreed to participate in a Mayoral Forum to be hosted by the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce on October 14th.
“Debates assist voters in making well informed decisions come Election Day (November 3rd). These are decisions that determine the leadership that will govern our city and its future for at least the next two years,” Goncalves concluded.
Mayoral debates serve the public as it gives an opportunity for the public to compare and contrast to two candidates. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen if Boughton accepts the offer from the League of Women Voters...given his track record with debates in the past, lets just say that the chances in residents seeing the two candidates debate the issues in public (as opposed to a chamber of commerce luncheon) isn't all that great.
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of day laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
