Six years ago this November, my wife and I moved into our lovely home on Academy Hill. We found our house by accident; we were driving to an open house in Milford when I took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on Elm Street, right through the heart of the historic district. We made note of the area—despite living in Connecticut for most of my life, I knew next to nothing about Stratford—and set up an alert on Zillow in the event a home became available on the market there. One week later, what do you know? An open house on Academy Hill and the rest is history.
Since then, we’ve settled into our first home in a town that was completely new to us. We love our neighborhood, we’ve become dear friends with our neighbors, and Stratford truly is home. There’s lots to love about our little town, and we do everything we can to support local businesses and keep a sense of community.
It’s in that sense of community that I write today. We’re in an election year—the second since we moved to town. That first election cycle, we voted for the Democratic challenger because we’re Democrats. There was no debate, which even though we were still in COVID, felt strange to me. I work in Westport at the library and I run all the programs and events that happen there. In Westport, even in COVID, there were multiple debates for their open Selectman role. If you couldn’t make it in person, they were recorded to watch from the comfort of your home. In this election cycle, we’re hosting 4 separate debates in Westport for that same Selectman role—vacant, once again.
Here, in Stratford, the only thing vacant is the debate itself.
As I understand it, there are no planned debates between our mayoral candidates. I find this disappointing, to say the least. I don’t understand how a community can make an educated choice about who will run their town if they don’t have the opportunity to hear from those vying for the position. Sure, we have read about their platforms in mailers and online. But that’s not the same as hearing them engage in real, civil discourse about their opinions concerning the direction of the town and how they plan to get us there. Think of it this way—you wouldn’t hire someone without an interview, and that is exactly what debates should be. Dr. Chess and Mayor Hoydick are applying for the position of Mayor of Stratford. We all pay our taxes, we all contribute to the economy of the town; thus, we are the hiring managers in this situation.
Debates are a hallmark of democracy. I encourage the teams around both candidates to speak to each other and to schedule at least one robust debate as we enter election season. Stratford deserves that.
You are so right! They should debate and have it on the public access channel for everyone to watch and then decide who is more deserving and qualified to run OUR town.
I remember only one mayoral debate between Stephanie Phillips and Laura Hoydick. Since then no debates. It is outrageous that the Mayor will not debate. Dr. Chess has been open and transparent. I am sure he would be willing to debate. There is nothing coming from the Mayor’s office. What are they afraid of
League of women voters has proposed a debate. I have accepted and I’m willing to debate under any conditions. However, Laura Hoydick has declined. I stand ready to meet, debate or have a town hall. Today I’ve knocked on over 2,000 doors, I enjoy the opportunity to share my excitement and vision for Stratford. Thanks for highlighting the need for a debate.
We need integrity and a new vision in town hall. We can go toward this goal by voting David Chess for Mayor of Stratford on November 4. – Cynthia
This is so unfair why is this debate not happening at town hall so everyone can hear the two candidates vision for Stratford.
David, I would accept the League of Women’s invite to debate. If the Mayor doesn’t accept, debate her empty chair. What is she worried about, the tax payers deserve the opportunity to see both of our options for the future of our town.