Earthplace Debate: Environmental Forum or 'Political Ambush'?

The third annual Earthplace Environmental Forum, which would pit the two candidates for the 136th Assembly District against each other, is up in the air due to scheduling conflicts and what some Republicans are calling a "partisan, political ambush."

Nitzy Cohen, a Republican, is running against Democrat Jonathan Steinberg for a seat that will be vacated in November.

With Cohen not committing to the debate, Matthew Mandell, a Democrat and trustee of the nonprofit Earthplace, is calling her out.

"I'm wearing my Earthplace trustee hat and it has nothing to do politics," said Mandell, who is organizing the debate.

He said he informed Cohen's camp about potential dates in early September, and still could not get affirmation.

"Debate is an institution and a rite of passage for any politician to seek higher office, and if you're not willing to debate, and I'm not sure if you should be in politics," he said.

Dewey Loselle, Cohen's campaign manager, disputes Mandell's impartiality. Earlier this year, Mandell and Steinberg both sought the Democratic nomination for this race. Both have also worked together as members of the Representative Town Meeting. He describes them as "attached at the hip."

Loselle likened the debate, which he said has no clear rules and guidelines, to President Obama agreeing to a debate where the Tea Party organized everything.

"There's absolutely no reason anybody in their right mind would step into this and everything since then has been a political stunt to get publicity for Jonathan Steinberg," he said.

In 2009, a debate was held between all four candidates for first and second selectman. In 2008, there was a debate between candidates running for the 26th Senatorial District. For the 136th Assembly District, there is a debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in Westport Town Hall, and a separate one that is being filmed by News12 next week.

"We are going to have two debates," Cohen said. "It's not like we're not going to have a debate."

She will also be presenting her views to a local environmental group next week.

Cohen said that one date later this month might be available for Earthplace, but her schedule is busy with planned events as a business owner, candidate and mother of three. She also expressed concern that the Earthplace debate could be a "partisan situation" due to Mandell's involvement.

Steinberg said he'd be willing to debate anytime at Earthplace and called the opportunity to do so "wonderful."

"If business is keeping her this busy, how is she going to be in the state legislature?" Steinberg asked. "Frankly, I think her excuses ring hollow."

Mandell, who moderated the past debates, said he has lined up a moderator who lives out of town. He denied that there is any bias at play, despite his affiliation.

"I didn't realize I was such a visionary to set this up two years in advance," he said. "Most people are either a Democrat or a Republican. It shouldn't be used as an excuse. If that's the case, I'm sorry, that's paranoia."

The 136th district consists of all of Westport except for a portion Green's Farms. Joe Mioli, a three-term Democrat, decided not to run in this election.