Letter to the editor from Karen Giannuzzi, Submitted Oct 1, 2019
With 5 weeks left to the election, the Town Clerk debate between Molly Saleeby and Carmella Budkins was cancelled due the last minute response and unavailability of incumbent Carmella Budkins.
Why is Carmella Budkins choosing not to debate Molly Saleeby?
Ironically, the last time Ms. Budkins faced an opponent – back in 2011 – she also declined to debate. https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Greenwich-town-clerk-challenger-Ng-cries-foul-2182204.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Desktop)&utm_source=share-by-email&utm_medium=email
Ms Budkins has held the office of Town clerk for over twenty five years. She is undoubtedly very busy as Town Clerk. But at the end of the day, she holds an elected office and is answerable to the residents of our town.
Other candidates have made time in their schedules to participate in the debates because they understand that voters have the right to question candidates and understand their positions, priorities and plans for our town.
Democracy is not a spectator sport – not for the voter nor the candidate. Ms. Budkins’s reluctance to participate is a disappointment.
Karen Giannuzzi
Greenwich