Dem Candidates in District 24 Challenge Republican Incumbents to Series of Debates

Editor's note: The following is from the Democratic 24th.

Democratic candidates Ed Selby, Leslie Huhn and Jim Nye have challenged Republican incumbents Steve Oroho, Alison McHose and Gary Chiusano to a series of debates during the upcoming election season.  Selby and Oroho will face off for the office of State Senator in this November’s election while Huhn and Nye will challenge McHose and Chiusano for two available State Assembly seats.

In a joint letter to their Republican opponents, Selby, Huhn and Nye have recommended holding a total of three debates, one in each county within the 24th District. The Democratic team stated “This will enable our constituents to gain a full understanding of each candidate’s positions on the key issues affecting both our district and the state of New Jersey.”

When reached for comment, State Senate candidate Ed Selby reinforced his belief that public debates are vital to the integrity of the electoral
system. “There is no greater hallmark of the American political process than a public debate.  I look forward to an invigorating and spirited discussion with my opponent about the many important issues facing the residents of our district.”

State Assembly candidate Leslie Huhn stressed the importance of bringing dialogue to the 11 towns in Warren County that are new to the 24th District.  “While attending the Spirit of Americana celebration in Blairstown, I was amazed at the interest generated by our campaign and the caliber of questions I received from residents.  The six candidates running this November are all new to the residents of Warren County. These constituents are entitled to the opportunity to meet their prospective legislators and have their questions answered prior to the November election.”

State Assembly candidate Jim Nye concurred with the sentiments of his running mates while adding the importance of timing.  “With the November election only four months away, all six candidates should be making every effort to meet with the district residents they wish to represent.  Every resident of the 24th District deserves to hear firsthand what we stand for and how we intend to improve the lives of our constituents.”

Readers may view the debate letter issued by the Democratic candidates on their website at www.democratic24.org.

About Ed Selby

Ed Selby is a Vietnam Veteran and currently serves as Senior Associate and Board member of the Center for Creative Learning. He is a Research Fellow with the Creativity Research Unit in Buffalo, New York, and an Adjunct Professor with Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education. He received his M.A. in Educational Psychology from Montclair University and a Ph.D. in Education from Walden University.  He has worked in New Jersey schools as a music and drama teacher for over 30 years. For over 15 years he served as President of the Board of Directors of the Sussex County Teen Arts Festival. He is past President of the Sussex County Technical School Board of Education. Ed and his wife Joan live in Hampton Township. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.

About Leslie Huhn

Leslie Huhn graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. For the past 17 years, she has worked as a nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center on both Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care and step down units.  In 2010 Huhn co-founded Sparta Unites for our Schools (SUFoS), a 200-member grassroots organization established to raise awareness on the issue of education and to implore legislators to advocate for Sussex County schools.  Huhn is an active member of the community who serves on the Biryukov Academy of Arts and Music Parent Board and is a Girl Scout troop leader.  She leads BRAVO music appreciation lessons and is a class mother in the Sparta public school district. Huhn resides in Sparta with her husband and two school-aged daughters.

About Jim Nye

Jim Nye is an educational publishing executive with experience developing new business, managing budgets and ensuring lean operations for large and small companies. Nye resides in Sparta with his wife Ilse and two young daughters.

To learn more about Ed Selby, Leslie Huhn and Jim Nye please visit: www.democratic24.org.