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The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce will holds its annual candidate debate on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at noon at the Westport Public Library in the McManus Room.
The candidates squaring off will be incumbent Democrat Jonathan Steinberg and Republican challenger Cathy Walsh.
They will field questions submitted from the Chamber Board, members of the Chamber and the public.
"This is a great opportunity for the business community and others to hear what their current and potential representatives have to say about the economy, jobs, transportation and taxation," said Matthew Mandell, executive Director of the WWCC. "We are pleased to continue to offer diverse events and innovative ways to bring relevant and useful information to the town, the community and our members.”
Moderating the debate this year will be retired U.S. District Judge Alan Nevas, who continues to serve as an arbitrator and mediator in a broad range of commercial disputes.
tThe Chamber is pleased to have Nevas, a longtime Westport resident and a former state representative who held this seat himself, oversee this important forum.
“The one party rule in Hartford has increased the deficit, imposed two massive tax increases and have cut services to our most vulnerable citizens,” said Walsh, current Chairwoman of the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission. “The result is Connecticut ranks last in the nation in fiscal health and people and businesses are moving out.
“I will fight to balance the budget, reduce the heavy tax and regulatory burden on business, renegotiate excessive labor contracts, eliminate the estate tax and restore a common sense approach to governance."
Steinberg, a three-term member of the Assembly, said: “The state is at a critical juncture in turning around the economy.
“I've worked hard to partner with pro-business organizations like CBIA to plan a path for sustained growth. I welcome the continuing dialogue on how we can enable businesses to prosper and grow, which is the key to adding good-paying jobs.”
The event will be set more as a forum, than a traditional debate, with the moderator fostering discussion between the candidates on each question.
The public and chamber members will have the opportunity to submit written questions before the debate either by email or on site that day.
For more information about the chamber, the debate or the candidates go to www.westportwestonchamber.com.
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