How can Milford voters understand the important choice before them if my opponent won’t address them?

To the Editor:

I am disappointed that my opponent, Lisa Emery, has declined to participate in either the candidate questionnaire or candidate forum organized by the non-partisan League of Women Voters of Pike County.

The League of Women Voters comprises Democrats, Republicans and Independents committed to increasing civic engagement and informing voters about issues and candidates.

How can Milford voters understand the important choice before them without an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and have the opportunity to question them?

Whether it is a candidate forum with a moderator, a public Q&A session, a traditional debate or other format, live or via Zoom, I am willing to participate. I will cede the selection of a moderator to my opponent, if that would get her to participate in a public event.

Candidates can approach public service from very different perspectives and backgrounds -- which is certainly the case with my opponent and me -- and they can disagree ideologically. But refusing to participate in candidate forums or respond to candidate questionnaires is, in my view, unacceptable, bad for democracy and bad for Milford.

Such refusal should make Milford voters question how communicative and responsive a candidate would be if elected to office, as well as raise questions about their motivation, opinions and ability to express a vision for Milford.

Sean Strub, Mayor

Milford Borough