Why not debate?

In this municipal election season, the League of Women Voters scheduled a debate between Carmella Budkins, the incumbent running for reelection as Town Clerk, and her opponent, Molly Saleeby, for Oct. 30. The date was picked back in August but the debate never occurred. Ms. Budkins became unavailable for the event and it had to be canceled.

It is no coincidence that the same thing happened in 2017 when the League of Women Voters debate between Peter Tesei, who was running for reelection as first selectman, and Sandy Litvack, his opponent, had to be canceled because Tesei was unavailable.

The voters of the Town of Greenwich should have an opportunity to assess the two candidates side by side and make an informed decision about who should be the town clerk for the next two years. Why is Carm Budkins hiding from this side by side assessment?

Carm Budkins has held this job for 28 years. A fresh look at the running of the department by a person raised in the technology age is very likely to be a healthy and productive change for the department. Molly Saleeby spent 13 years at Channel 13 managing a number of employees. She has also managed the finances of high net worth families for the most recent number of years. She was born and raised in Greenwich and loves this town and its people. She is a hardworking member of the RTM.

Molly Saleeby should have a chance to demonstrate what a fresh look can produce.

Nancy Ramer Riverside