Oxford Candidate To First Selectman Temple: Let’s Debate Already!

Town Democrats said Oxford First Selectman George Temple has flatly rejected an invitation for a public debate with his Democratic challenger, David Heim. 

The invitation to debate was extended after the end of an Oxford Town Meeting on September 17, but Temple turned Heim down immediately.

Oxford Dems say Temple will only debate at Oxford Greens,” a 55-plus community in Oxford.

Selectmen candidates have held debates there in the past. 

Oxford Greens is a private community,” Heim said in a prepared statement. 

Debates there are closed to the press, and only residents of Oxford Greens are allowed to attend. I’m happy to have a debate at Oxford Greens. But I believe the people of Oxford deserve to have a public debate, open to everyone in Oxford and to the press.”

Heim asked: Why is Temple afraid to have a public debate on the issues? Why is he afraid to defend his record in front of all the voters? If he really is proud of his record as his campaign literature says, then why won’t he openly debate it in public? What is he trying to hide?”

The Oxford Grange, a nonpartisan civic organization, has offered to host a public debate, preparing questions for the candidates and moderating the event. 

We believe all the people of Oxford deserve to hear both sides of the issues before casting their ballots in November. We welcome the opportunity to be heard by all,” Heim said.

Note: This information comes from a press release from Oxford Democrats.

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