New London — Andrew R. Lockwood Sr., the Republican candidate for the 39th District General Assembly seat, will hold a question and answer session at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Public Library of New London.

Lockwood scheduled the forum after his opponent, incumbent Democrat Ernest Hewett, declined to participate in a debate co-sponsored by The Day and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut previously scheduled for the same date.

“As a seasoned political veteran, Ernest Hewett should understand the importance of a public debate,” Lockwood said in a statement. “To dismiss the invitation and an opportunity for a live debate prior to such a critical election demonstrates a lack of respect for the process and the voters of the 39th District.”

Last month, Lockwood announced that he had gathered enough signatures to get on the November ballot and would file paperwork to officially seek the 39th House District seat.

The Secretary of the State’s office has said Lockwood will indeed appear on the Nov. 4 ballot as the Republican nominee for the General Assembly seat.

Though Lockwood was not endorsed by the New London Republican Town Committee or nominated at the party’s convention in May, he petitioned his way into a primary. Because there was no other candidate running in the primary, Lockwood became the Republican nominee, according to Av Harris, a spokesman for the Secretary of the State’s office.