On October 14, candidates for First Selectman Abe Morelli and Rudy Marconi debated the issue of open space and the environment at the Ridgefield Library. Approximately 70 residents attended the ROSA-organized event which was moderated by Bob Kleinberg. The candidates alternately responded to eight questions prepared by the ROSA elections committee, and both were allowed time on each question for rebuttal. This format allowed for exchanges between the candidates, and illustrated their differences on many important issues. The final half hour of the event was dedicated to questions from the audience. The debate was covered by the Ridgefield Press, the Danbury News-Times and WLAD and was videotaped by ROSA member (and professional videographer) Pete Stewart. We hope to air the tape on Comcast Channel 23 as soon as possible for those who were unable to attend. We'll let you know when the tape will be broadcast.

The ROSA core group will meet this week to discuss the results of the debate, the Candidates' forum, and the position papers issued by the Board of Selectmen candidates in the context of making any endorsements for the November election. The results of this meeting will be published in the Ridgefield Press October 28 issue, as well as sent out via email to our distribution list.

If you attended the debate, we'd like to hear from you - please give us your opinion on how you feel about the candidates' answers to our questions as well as those of the audience.


Ellen Burns
Ridgefield Open Space Association