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Area Forums Offer Closer Looks at Candidates

With state office elections set for Tuesday, Nov. 6, area voters seeking a better idea of local candidates’ positions on the issues have three upcoming chances to see the candidates face off in two debates sponsored by the Essex and Haddam libraries and one forum held by the Westbrook Council of Beaches.

Moderators of the library debates will be Essex Library Director Richard Conroy and Brainerd Library Director Tom Piezzo.

The first debate on Wednesday, Oct. 17 will feature incumbent 36th District State Representative Bob Siegrist (R) and challenger Christine Palm (D). The debate is at 6:30 p.m. at Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River.

The second debate features 36th District State Senate candidates Democrat Norm Needleman and Republican Melissa Ziobron, also at 6:30 p.m. at Valley Regional High School.

District residents are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates in writing by mailing or dropping them off at either the Essex Library (33 West Ave., Essex, CT 06426) or Brainerd Library (920 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT 06438) or by sending them via email to rconroy@essexlib.org or tpiezzo@brainerdlibrary.org. To be considered for inclusion questions must be relevant to issues facing our state, particularly at the district level, and not constructed in such a way as to favor a particular candidate.

Ziobron and Needleman will also participate in the Monday, Oct. 1, Westbrook Council of Beaches Candidates’ Forum from 7 to 9 p.m. at Westbrook’s Mulvey Municipal Center, 866 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. They will participate alongside candidates for State Assembly districts 23 and 35.

Anyone seeking a seat should come early; in past years the forum has been standing-room-only. Those attending are asked by COB to please bring a non-perishable food item or canned good to donate to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries.

Valley Shore Cable Television plans to film the forum and broadcast it on public access Channel 19; the video will also be posted at www.vsctv.com.