On October 14, Hearing Youth Voices/The People’s Budget Coalition collaborated with other private nonprofits and hosted a debate for candidates in the upcoming election. In a town where adults registered to vote more often than not do not exercise that privilege, it was inspiring to see these young people, most of whom cannot yet vote, participate in the political process.

The event was orderly, positive and the questions the youth asked were timely and relevant to the challenges New London faces. Unfortunately, every incumbent Democrat was busy that day. How Trumpian: skip the debates when you are ahead! Two Republicans and two Green Party members made it, but those busy, busy Democrats all had full calendars. What message does this send to the youth of this city and to the electorate in general? It was disrespectful and dismissive. It demonstrated the arrogance of public servants who don’t feel like they need to be present or responsive unless they feel they are threatened politically. You can be sure they would have made time for the event if they thought their political lives depended on it. So much for one-party rule. No wonder people don’t vote.

Nicolo Festa

New London