Elections2016: Debate Possible in Moorestown Council Race

Moorestown, NJ -- It looks like the candidates for Moorestown Council will engage in a debate prior to the Nov. 8 elections.

The Republican candidates challenged the Democratic candidates to a debate on Tuesday, and the Democrats have accepted the challenge.

“In a year where the stakes are so high and misinformation is running rampant, we feel it's important to call all six candidates to the table and debate the many important issues in our community,” Mayor Phil Garwood, Deputy Mayor Victoria Napolitano and challenger Mike Locatell said in a joint statement Tuesday afternoon. “We propose a debate on a mutually agreeable date and time that is free and open to the public. The Moorestown Business Association is our recommended sponsor for the debate, with our recommendation for moderators being the leading Republican and Democrat on the Moorestown Ethical Standards Board. For a neutral and central venue, we would recommend the Moorestown Community House.

“We hope you will accept our challenge, as it is clear there are stark differences between our two tickets on key issues facing our town. Our team believes that voters deserve the opportunity to see what each slate stands for, believes in, and will do for the people of Moorestown if elected to these three four-year terms. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our commitment to tax relief, business development, recreation, clean water, public safety, and open space, and hope you will join us.”

The Democrats referenced their unsuccessful efforts to debate the Republicans in the past in their response.

“The Democrat candidates for Council are glad that the Republican candidates finally accepted the Democrats challenge that was given to them for the past three election cycles,” Councilwoman Lisa Petriello and challengers Amy Leis and Kati Angelini said in their response. “In addition, the Democrats in March 2016 sent an e-mail to the League of Woman Voters and the Moorestown Business Association (MBA) requesting the League moderate the debate which the MBA previously agreed to sponsor. We appreciate the fact that the MBA once again agreed to step forward and sponsor this debate per our request. In addition the Democrats believe that there should be at least 2 debates beginning as soon as August so that all issues can be thoroughly vetted.

“Councilwoman Lisa Petriello, Amy Leis and Kati Angelini look forward to debating the Republican candidates and informing the residents of Moorestown why a change in Township administration is absolutely essential. The current generation and future generations simply cannot afford four more years of this administration. Petriello, Leis and Angelini look forward to serving on Town Council and providing transparent and proactive financial management. In the interim if anyone has any questions or concerns for the candidates they can be reached at petrielloleisangelini@gmail.com.”

Primary Day is June 7. 

The attached image of Mike Locatell, Victoria Napolitano and Phil Garwood was provided by the Moorestown Republicans

The attached image of LIsa Petriello, Amy Leis and Kati Angelini was provided by the Moorestown Democrats