A debate challenge in town board races

By Deborah S. Morris
deborah.morris@newsday.com

The Republican and Conservative party candidates for the Huntington Town Board have issued a debate challenge to their Democratic opponents.

Deborah Poulos and Bill Dowler said they want to have a debate in every hamlet and village in the town in an effort to ensure that voters are well informed and have a clear understanding about where the candidates for Town Board stand.

“Debates are healthy and provide voters with critical information about where public officials stand on the issues that matter most to them,” said Poulos, a first time candidate.

“If our current board members truly support open and honest government, there is no better way of demonstrating this then by participating in these debates. I anxiously await Ms. Berland and Ms. Jackson’s response and I’m sure they will agree to it,” Poulos said.

Bill Dowler, running for the second time, said, “I look forward to an open process and putting forth my positions and platform.”

Poulos is calling on Berland and Jackson to pledge their commitment to attend debates in the following hamlets and villages: East Northport/Fort Salonga, Greenlawn/Centerport, Melville/West Hills/Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Huntington Station, Halesite, the Village of Northport, the Village of Ashroken, the Village of Huntington Bay and the Village of Lloyd Harbor.

Councilwoman Susan Berland said there are currently six scheduled debates. “I have no problem debating them any place, any time or at any venue,” Berland said. “But I'd like to know which part of the town is not being represented by these debates. Whatever part of the town they think isn’t being represented I would be more than happy to join them there.”

The first candidates debate is scheduled for Oct. 3 at the Huntington Public Library on Main Street at noon.