The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of this newspaper.
The two candidates for the 33rd Senatorial District (Melissa Ziobron, Republican and Norm Needleman, Democrat) have had a couple of debates. The first occurred Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the Colchester’s Bacon Academy (High School). The second occurred Monday, October 22, 2018 at Deep River’s Valley Regional High School. This district includes Haddam.
I attended the first. It was run by the high school students (moderators, time keepers & question askers), that is, with a little help from teachers. The questions were asked by members of the Young Republican and Democrat clubs at the school. The candidates didn’t know the questions in advance so it was a real test of their knowledge of the subjects. The candidates took turns answering with one minute for the first, followed by one and a half minutes for the second and finally a half minute rebuttal.
Spoiler alert, opinion … Mr. Needleman was quick to point out every negative vote that Ms. Ziobron has made in her four years as State Representative of the 34th District. He also challenged her tendency to try and cut the cost of every bill that came up before the legislature.
I have two issues with Mr. Needleman’s positions: First he does acknowledge that the State has a fiscal problem, but he doesn’t seem to feel anything should be done about it. Second he feels the State Senator’s job is a part time position and fully plans to keep his position as Essex First Selectman and management of a business he owns there. On the other hand, Ms. Ziobron has devoted herself full time to her current position. To me, any less deprives the voters of the district what they expect of their representative.
Sincerely,
R. Thurston Clark, speaking for himself
Haddam Neck
