The two candidates on the ballot for Ansonia mayor clashed over city finances, taxes, and their visions for economic development during a debate at the Valley Indy Monday.
The discussion between Republican incumbent David Cassetti and Democratic challenger Tarek Raslan was livestreamed on Facebook.
Click the play button and adjust the volume to watch the video, which was recorded using an iPhone.
The debate’s audio was also captured and is published below as a podcast. Click the play button below to listen to higher-quality audio:
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The podcast was sponsored by The Valley Gives Back, a new initiative from The Valley Community Foundation.
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FORMAT
The format called for the candidates to make opening statements, then ask each other questions before fielding questions from the Valley Indy’s Ethan Fry and Eugene Driscoll.
The opening statements begin around the four-minute mark of the video.
The candidates’ questions to each other begin around the eight-minute mark on the video.
The questions Cassetti asked Raslan:
— Would you pledge if elected mayor not to raise taxes?
— Would you say that the city is better off than it was four years ago?
— What have I done that you approve of?
Mayor David Cassetti, left, and challenger Tarek Raslan, right, in The Valley Indy office Monday.
The questions Raslan asked Cassetti:
— Will you forego post-employment medical and pension benefits?
— How can taxpayers be assured that they’re getting a good deal on any contract that goes out from the city if it doesn’t go out to bid?
— How can you assure residents that we’re doing everything we can to make sure that the next generation coming up is prepared to succeed in a more competitive economy?
Reporter Questions
Next, the Valley Indy asked questions to the candidates, beginning about 37 minutes into the video above.
The discussion ended with the candidates offering closing statements, which begin about 1 hour and 42 minutes into the video.
The debate had roughly 1,800 views as it was happening Monday and attracted more than 400 comments by the time it had ended.
Thanks to both candidates for participating and everyone who watched on Facebook.
You can also listen to the audio below by pressing play on the YouTube image.
