UPDATED: Millburn Township Committee Candidate Asks For Debate

MILLBURN, NJ — Will there be a debate in the ongoing Township Committee race in Millburn?

Township Committee Candidate Oyin Owolabi posted a press release on the internet over the weekend challenging Mayor Tara Prupis to a debate.

Owolabi said, in a release sent to the media on Monday, "Over the weekend, I officially challenged my opponent Tara Prupis to a virtual debate. A one-on-one, live streamed debate on the issues facing Millburn will give our residents a clear and direct understanding of how each one of us will address issues that will impact our future."

But Prupis replied Monday that Owolabi had not reached out to her about the matter, "officially" or otherwise.

When Owolabi was asked if she'd reached out to the mayor in a method other than posting on the internet on Sunday (the day before), Owolabi did not reply immediately.

Prupis said, "I have not received any correspondence from Ms. Owolabi. Ms. Owolabi has numerous ways to contact me directly."

Owolabi responded late Tuesday saying, "This is a modern campaign and getting in touch via social media is the norm. Tara is a candidate put forth by a political party. She does not have a personal email nor does she have a known address as I have searched for it ... Her only official contact info is at Town Hall and we are not allowed to conduct political business via Town Hall."

Prupis' official email is on the town website here.

Prupis did not respond when asked if she'd be open to a debate.

In Millburn's form of government, candidates run for staggered terms on the Township Committee, then choose a mayor from among themselves each year.

Prupis, a Democrat, and Owolabi, a Republican, are vying for one committee seat Nov. 2.

READ MORE: Millburn Primary Results: Prupis And Owolabi To Vie For 1 Seat

Owolabi's release read, in part, "With Vote By Mail Ballots going out to voters in the next few weeks, I call on Ms. Prupis to do the right thing by the members of our beautiful community and accept my debate challenge. For too long the residents of Millburn have been subjected to the dark money and backroom deals ...."

Find out more about the Millburn Township Committee here.

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