Letter to the Editor: George Serrano Will Not Attend Candidate's Forum

Dear editor,

I am a Republican candidate for Hightstown Borough Council. Reluctantly and respectfully, I decline the League of Women Voters’ invitation to participate in this year’s annual candidates’ debate. There are several reasons (not necessarily in any order).

Firstly, last year’s debate was videotaped, and amazingly it was then aired over local access channels without sound. Technical issues are a part of our world today. No problem. However, the League’s decision to proceed on multiple occasions, with the broadcast of a one-hour program without sound, was regrettably in very poor judgment. I was one of those candidates in last year’s debate. It was painful to watch. I know it’s possible that this year’s debate may turn out to be the best ever. Nevertheless, I don’t feel comfortable trusting the League to produce an event where all of the candidates are portrayed positively.

Secondly, I take exception with the political partiality that the League has locally demonstrated. Its president recently published a strongly worded letter to the media that repudiated the very stand that the National Republican Committee and I support on the issue of voter ID. The letter was considerably overboard when it claimed that the League’s position is under “attack” by the other side…that’s our side. The local League has proven to be partisan, and again, I am hesitant to participate in an even that it intends to moderate.

Thirdly, I understand that the League has turned this year to the Hightstown High School Visual Aids Department for its expertise. The department head who has up until now made the League’s debate possible is a Democratic Mercer County Freeholder. This is not impartiality.

I appreciate that the public wants to know who I am before Election Day. The Windsor Hights Herald and other media outlets, both print and online, have already published information on the election and I’m sure will do so up until November 6. My profile is on our campaign website and Facebook pages. I have been walking door-to-door and will continue doing so, speaking with hundreds of residents. If anyone chooses to contact me, please feel free to email me at fire325@verizon.net.

- George Serrano

Republican candidate for Hightstown Borough Council

Editor's note: Find out more about the candidates through Patch's Election Guide.