Republican Incumbents Pull Out Of Candidates Forum, Disagree With Rule

A forum Tuesday night for the candidates vying for six seats on the Township Council was cancelled after Republicans didn’t show up because they objected to a rule that wouldn’t have allowed all of their candidates to participate.

The Wayne League of Women Voters hosted the forum. The league allows candidates to participate if an opponent does, meaning two Republicans would have been excluded. One is running unopposed and the Democratic opponent of another did not attend the forum.

Republican municipal party chairman Michael Marotta told The Record that all of the candidates’ positions were “If they’re not going, I’m not going. We’ve got a united party right now.”

The Wayne League of Women Voters said the forum was cancelled due to a “procedural” issue.

League member Alice Moskowitz said the league was informed of the GOP’s decision only a few hours before the 7:30 p.m. debate was to occur.

“The league, in our effort to be non-partisan, will never allow a debate to occur where candidates do not have an opportunity to respond to their opponents,” Moskowitz said. “It would appear if the league is supporting that candidate.”

Candidates, Democratic leaders, and residents showed up to the debate to find the council chambers doors locked.

Four of the five Democratic candidates spoke to about 15 supporters outside the chambers.

Democratic leaders were incensed about the cancellation.

“There were no ’procedural’ issues, the Republicans just didn’t want to debate,” said Wayne Democratic chairman Clark Okun. “Maybe it’s time for the league to be less concerned with ’political correctness’ and more concerned with the truth.”

Marotta also told The Record that if the Democrats want to debate, they can set up another forum in which all the candidates can participate.

“We’re not afraid,” Marotta said.

Four years ago, the candidates debate was moved from the council chambers to Wayne Valley High School because it was scheduled on the same night as a Board of Education meeting.