No Compromise on Debate Between Galloway Democrats and Republicans

It's been nearly half a decade since Democrats debated Republicans in an election year in Galloway Township, and it appears this year will be no different.

Candidates in this year’s municipal election can’t decide on a format in which all Democratic and Republican candidates would be in one place at one time answering questions from the public.

The Republicans prefer a more formal debate format, while the Democrats prefer a meet-and-greet in which candidates would meet with members of the public one-on-one.

As of Thursday night, Oct. 6, it appeared no compromise would be reached.

There has not been a debate in a municipal election in Galloway Township in four years, when a debate was held at the Four Seasons, according to Republican League spokesperson Terry Lucarelli.

The Democrats don’t wish to have a formal debate because they feel it is “political theater, complete with canned questions, planted audience members and planted questions,” Democratic candidate Kevin Krumaker wrote in an email to Heller which was also addressed to members of the media Thursday morning.

In the email, Krumaker cited a recent District 2 legislative debate as proof of his points, saying it was reported that "candidates each had their friends and supporters in attendance with very few members of the actual 'public' present."

Those sentiments were echoed by Democratic Municipal Chair Michael Suleiman Thursday night.

“In a meet and greet with all the candidates, we feel we could get independent voters out to listen to each side,” Suleiman said. “In a debate, you’re talking to people who have already made up their minds. You’re not going to change anyone’s mind.”

The Republicans have a different view of debates, and believe that a meet-and-greet is just more preaching to the choir.

“In a meet-and-greet, you can end up speaking to one person for 10 or 15 minutes and not be able to move around,” Republican League Head Jennifer Heller said Thursday night. “In a debate, the candidates can field questions and everyone can hear the responses.”

With the election just over a month away, it appears neither side will capitulate, and with no compromise seemingly on the horizon, representatives on each side said they were content to continue campaigning as they have been for the past few months.

“We’ll continue to make phone calls and knock on people’s doors,” Suleiman said.

“It would’ve been nice to have a debate where we can focus on the issues and forget about the drama,” Heller said.

Candidates are running for six open seats in the Nov. 8 election. Democrat Jim Gorman and Republican Tony Coppola are running for re-election. Gorman is running alongside challengers Jim McElwee and Krumaker, Coppola’s running mate is Brian Tyrrell.

Republican Mayor Keith Hartman is also up for re-election, but suspended his independent campaign on Sept. 13. His name will still be on the ballot.