I feel it is important to share with the voting public my perspective on the issue of candidate debates. I have spent an unexpected amount of time pondering their role and how they serve voters. As I see it, the debate or forum is an excellent way for voters to learn more about the candidates, the issues they stand for and if that person is qualified to represent them.

For that to happen, a skilled, impartial moderator is necessary. I also believe the candidates should be answering the same questions offered by the same moderator, ideally culled from the community. This is the model used by the League of Women Voters (LWV) and I have welcomed the opportunity to participate in their debate, offering numerous dates of availability that conform to my personal and professional responsibilities.

Since mid-June, my opponent Mark Lois has been pressuring me to accept an alternative forum with his own regulations and procedures. Considering this in the most objective way possible, it makes no sense for one candidate to subject themselves to a new, untested process devised by and insisted upon by their opponent. Philosophically, I do not believe his proposed format serves voters. In fact, it has a greater potential of driving divisiveness between neighbors residing in Chatham Township. Further, holding more than one debate is unprecedented in Chatham Township, and I have no concrete proof that even 10% of Chatham Township residents want more than one debate.

In over 30 emails, I have offered many weeks I am available for a debate, including some dates involving great inconvenience for me. Yet my opponent has spent his email replies composing outrageous accusations that I am lying about an overseas business trip and parents’ weekend at my daughter’s university. Needless to say, I was honest in my availability and even offered to return early to meet his demands that a debate occur prior to September 21, when vote-by-mail ballots are mailed out. Mr. Lois rebuffed every offer, sticking to his story that I have declined 11 opportunities.

To be clear, these represent 5 summer nights he independently scheduled for his experimental forum format and 6 nights during a week I am traveling for business, offering no other availability. There is only one logical conclusion: Mr. Lois is only willing to “accept” dates he knows are not possible to schedule and he never intended to debate me with the LWV. It is disappointing to write this press release and even more frustrating that a debate date could not be set, but I have made every reasonable attempt to schedule one.

I am running because my background is grounded in volunteerism and offers a unique set of experiences which will benefit Chatham Township. With over 30 years of marketing and public relations experience, I aim to increase connectivity between residents and our local government, improving their experience and communicating in a professional, courteous and transparent manner.

With no debate planned, I will use this time to hold productive conversations with residents and brainstorm solutions that will best serve their interests. I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible in my effort to earn the right to represent the people of Chatham Township.