136th District Candidates Scheduled to Debate Oct. 5

WESTON, CT — By Alfred Branch (Patch Staff) — Incumbent Democrat Jonathan Steinberg and Republican challenger Cathy Walsh, who are both vying for the state 136th District House seat, are scheduled to debate on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at noon in the McManus Room at the Westport Public Library.

The debate is sponsored by the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce and will be moderated by retired United States District Judge Alan Nevas, of Westport. The candidates will field questions submitted from the Chamber Board, members of the Chamber and the public.

"This is a great opportunity for the business community and others to hear what their current and potential representatives have to say about the economy, jobs, transportation and taxation," said Matthew Mandell, executive Director of the Chamber in a statement. "We are pleased to continue to offer diverse events and innovative ways to bring relevant and useful information to the town, our constituency and our members.”

The event will be set more as a forum, than a traditional debate, with Nevas fostering discussion between the candidates on each question. The public and chamber members will have the opportunity to submit written questions prior to the debate either by email or on-site that day. In addition to being a former U.S. District Judge, Nevas also continues to serve as an arbitrator and mediator in a broad range of commercial disputes. He also formerly held this particular State Representative seat.

From a Chamber release:

“The one party rule in Hartford has increased the deficit, imposed two massive tax increases and have cut services to our most vulnerable citizens,” said challenger Cathy Walsh, “the result is CT ranks last in the nation in fiscal health and people and businesses are moving out.” The current Chairwoman of the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission continued, “I will fight to balance the budget, reduce the heavy tax and regulatory burden on business, renegotiate excessive labor contracts, eliminate the estate tax and restore a common sense approach to governance.

“The state is at a critical juncture in turning around the economy” said incumbent Jonathan Steinberg, three term member of the Assembly. “I've worked hard to partner with pro-business organizations like CBIA to plan a path for sustained growth. I welcome the continuing dialogue on how we can enable businesses to prosper and grow, which is the key to adding good-paying jobs.”

For more information, visit the Chamber's website.
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