Debate Set For Watchung Council Candidates Next Month

WATCHUNG, NJ — The four Borough Council candidates will participate in a debate next month.

The four candidates are: Republicans Amber Murad and incumbent George Sopko and Democrats Wendy Robinson and Pietro "Pete" Martino.

The debate is Oct. 2 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Watchung Valley View Middle School.

A bipartisan committee of Watchung volunteers are working with the League of Women Voters of Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Summit to host the debate.

"It has been an interesting and rewarding experience to help get this debate organized," said Ray Barratt, who coordinated the committee. "The group has been motivated to bring candidates and voters together."

The format will be as follows:

• Each candidate will be allowed two-minute opening and closing statements.
• Candidates will answer two questions they will have a chance to prepare for. One question will come from each party.
• The moderator will present questions that residents will submit and screened by a bipartisan panel.

"We look forward to participating in the discussions of Watchung’s future by allowing Amber and George to share how hard they have been working and their future vision to make Watchung the best town in which to live," said Republican campaign manager Tracy DiFrancesco Zaikov.

Cori Haveson, Democratic campaign manager said that, "having a robust debate about policies and issues critical to the town's direction has been missing in Watchung.

"The public has been kept in the dark about the workings of government for too long. Voters deserve to hear from candidates, so they can make informed choices, and I'm proud to have been part of this bipartisan committee to make it happen."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com