Guilford GOP First Selectman Candidate Says Calls To Debate Ignored

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – Ken MacKenzie was hoping to debate the issues in the upcoming Sept. 12 Republican primary for first selectman but he said his requests have been ignored.

MacKenzie lost the party-endorsed nomination in a close vote to Bob Hartmann, Jr. but garnered enough signatures to qualify for a primary.

The winner of the primary will face Democrat Matt Hoey in the general election in November.

Incumbent First Selectman Joseph Mazza announced earlier this year he will not be seeking a third, four-year term as the town’s chief executive.

MacKenzie said: “I’m disappointed that a debate will not be held. Voters deserve an opportunity to be informed about the differences between the candidates,” said MacKenzie.

He added, “I hope Bob will reconsider, as a courtesy to the voters. Regardless, I will continue in my efforts to meet the voters one on one to listen to their ideas for Guilford’s future.”

That doesn’t look likely.

“As chairman of the Guilford Republican Town committee I have asked each candidate not to debate for the sake of unity in our local Republican Party and then we can go forward defeating the Democrats after the primary,” said GOP chairman Gloria Nemczuk.