The Day, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut, is excited to announce the first two in what we expect to be a series of debates involving candidates for local office.

On Sept. 26, Waterford High School auditorium will host a debate between the first selectman candidates: Republican Rob Brule and Democrat Beth Sabilia. Brule serves as a selectman, while Sabilia served on the City Council and as mayor, under the prior city manager form of government, when she was a New London resident. The hourlong debate begins at 7 p.m. and those attending are urged to be in their seats early.

On Oct. 10, the C.B. Jennings International Elementary Magnet School, 50 Mercer St., will host a debate in the New London mayoral race. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event begins at 6. Participants will be incumbent Mayor Michael Passero, a Democrat; City Councilor Martin T. Olsen Jr., a Republican; and, potentially, Green Party write-in candidate Frida Berrigan. (The event sponsors had not had a chance to discuss the breaking news that Berrigan's name would not appear on the ballot, forcing her write-in status.)

Editorial Page Editor Paul Choiniere will serve as a questioner for the upcoming debates, with the league providing organizational support and timekeepers. A video of the Waterford debate will be available on theday.com the day following the event and remain available for viewing until Election Day, Nov. 5. Theday.com plans to carry the New London debate live, with the recording available for later viewing.

The Day is continuing discussions in other communities for debates featuring candidates for chief executive offices. Readers are urged to submit questions to be asked in the debates, either specific to a town or concerning municipal governance generally, in the form below or by visiting our special debates page at bit.ly/DayDebates2019.