Bergen Freeholder Says Garrett Is Wrong For Skipping Debate

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — A Bergen County freeholder from Franklin Lakes is sharply criticizing 5th District Congressman Scott Garrett for choosing to not participate in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters.

“I’m extremely disappointed that Scott Garrett would turn down an invitation from one of the most respected, neutral women’s groups in the country — the League of Women Voters,” said Tracy Silna Zur, a democrat. “Garrett had a chance to show that he was willing address issues that matter to women in New Jersey — and his choice shows us where he stands.”

Garrett accepted invitations to attend two candidate debates, including one on WRNJ-AM Radio in Hackettstown with his opponent, democrat Josh Gottheimer, a former Microsoft executive from Wyckoff. Teaneck Rabbi Steven Pruzansky will host the other debate.

But the seven-time congressman also declined three invitations that Gottheimer accepted: A forum at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center Sept. 19, one at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the League of Women Voters debate.

"“It’s ridiculous that Garrett is only limiting himself to two debates," Zur said. "It’s important to give the public every chance to hear what you stand for."

Gottheimer’s camp reached out to Garrett twice to set up a five-debate schedule for the fall. Garrett responded in a letter that once his, “constituent services calendar is finalized for the fall,” he would contact Gottheimer about “finding an opportunity” for the two to appear in a debate.

Garrett’s campaign manager Sarah Neibart previously said that “actively” serving his constituents, “will always be" the congressman's “first priority.”

The 5th District is composed of municipalities in Bergen, Sussex, Passaic, and Warren counties. In Bergen, the municipalities include: Fair Lawn, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Hillsdale, Mahwah, New Milford, Oakland, Oradell, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, River Edge, Teaneck, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Wyckoff.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

PHOTO: Democratic candidate Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Scott Garrett — Patch file photo

Related: Gottheimer Pushes Garrett To Debate Him