The refusal of candidates to attend and participate in debates speaks volumes about the disdain and disregard for the voters. (“Controversy over questions and format force organizers to replace debate with candidate forum,” Sept. 22) Debate is explaining your ideas and opinions; is being willing to hear the other side; and, the cornerstone of democracy.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization providing education including hosting nonpartisan debates where voters can ask questions to be answered by all candidates. To somehow claim that those questions from the voters are not relevant is the height of arrogance. Who are you, as the candidate, to define what the voters want to know of you?

The 20th State Senate seat is an open seat with no incumbent. To date, the Republican candidate has failed to show up for a candidates’ meeting to discuss the format. The candidate is a business owner in Naugatuck who maintains a home in the district. The candidate is not someone new to politics - he was the Chairman of the State’s Republican party - but he is new to the district. I would hope the candidate agrees to debate. A failure to debate is a disservice to the voters and damages our democracy.

Beth Sabilia

Waterford