Primary Debate to be Scheduled in Freehold Borough

It's official. There will be a primary debate in this year.

Dan Xavier, member and Democratic council candidate, reached out to his fellow candidates, , and requested a a face-to-face public debate.

According to , he hopes a debate will help educate the public about their primary choices "in an effort to better inform the residents of our positions on a variety of topics."

Although there is not a set date for the debate, all democratic candidates are in. Republican candidates Marianne Earle and John Newman have been invited as well. Below is a copy of the letter sent in reply to Xavier's request.

April 25, 2012

Dear Mr. Xavier:

We are responding to your earlier correspondence regarding a proposed debate between the candidates for Freehold Borough Council.

As the approved candidates of the Freehold Borough Democratic Party, we cordially accept, provided this debate involves all candidates.

We cite the following phrase from your letter, “…voters should also have the opportunity to consider each of the candidacies side by side.”

We believe it would be advantageous to the voters of Freehold Borough to know the positions and platform of each candidate.  For this reason, we wish to include the Republican Candidates in any and all such debates.  They are being invited to this debate by a copy of this letter.

We acknowledge the importance of the League of Women Voters and their historic position as moderators of such political debates.   We agree to conform to the established guidelines as defined by the League of Women Voters. 

We, likewise, accept your proposal that the campaign teams have the opportunity to negotiate specific event details.  We have asked the Republican candidates to respond no later than May 14, 2012.

Sincerely,

Sharon Shutzer                                    

Ron Griffiths

cc:  News Transcript, Freehold Patch,  League of Women Voters, Freehold Borough Republican Club, Marianne Earle and John Newman

What questions do you think should be asked at the debate? Tell us in the comments!