On Oct. 8, Branford First Selectman candidates Mark Rabinowitz (D) and Jacey Wyatt (I) fielded reporters' questions (including those from The Sound, New Haven Register and Branford Eagle) during the Shoreline League of Women Voters Branford First Selectman's Race Debate, a regular election season service provided by the LWV.

Taped by Branford Community Television and airing on Branford Government Access cable TV and at www.bctv.org, the debate covers the two candidate's takes on important Branford issues that will help voters decide on their choice for the town's next First Selectman on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Republican Incumbent First Selectman Candidate James B. Cosgrove declined to participate in the debate, according to a brief statement made by LWV East Shore president and debate moderator Carol Reimers.  Both Democratic Town Committee chairman Chris Sullivan and Wyatt, founder of the Independent Branford Voters Party, contacted The Sound to state Cosgrove's decision not to participate in the debate was a disservice to voters. On Oct. 6, Cosgrove answered The Sound's query regarding his decision not to attend, answering that he couldn't participate in the Oct. 8 debate due to his plans to attend Shore Publishing's annual Beacon Awards the same night. The event honors dedicated shoreline community members from towns including Branford.

Cosgrove, Rabinowitz and Wyatt are scheduled to debate on Oct. 22 at Branford Fire Headquarters, 7 p.m. during another Branford First Selectman's debate, sponsored by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and moderated by former WTNH News 8 anchor Chris Velardi. The Oct. 22 debate will be aired live on BCTV.