In 2012, the Amboy Guardian held its first Mayoral Debate in Perth Amboy. At that time there were six candidates vying for that position. Of those six candidates, Mayor Diaz was running for her second term.

Fast-forward to 2016 and now there are 4 candidates running for Mayor. Diaz is running for a third consecutive term. Sharon Hubberman who ran for Mayor in 2012 is running for Mayor once more. Councilman Joel Pabon who was supported by Diaz in 2014 when he ran for reelection as a Councilman is also running against her. Miguel Nunez who ran for Council in 2012 as an independent is also vying for the position of Mayor.

In the 10/5/16 editorial of the Amboy Guardian we had a number of questions posed to the candidates. At that time because of so many activities taking place in October, we were not sure there would be a date available for all the candidates to appear.

We received a phone call from one of the participants (not anyone connected to the candidates) to see if we would be able to host a debate this year.

After discussing it with them, we decided it could be done.

The debate will be held at the same venue as 2012 (Temple Beth Mordecai, 224 High St., Perth Amboy). The moderator again will be Retired Rutger’s Journalism Professor Ron Miskoff. This year we are delighted to announce that the Messengers of Peace will be assisting us.

I’m sure the residents who have been calling us and approaching us about having a debate will be happy.

The first thing that we did was reach out to the candidates and their campaign managers to let them know of the date. As of this printing, two candidates have already said yes. We are waiting of the response of the last two. Either way, we are going to have a Mayoral debate.

So whether or not it’s 2, 3 or 4 candidates, it is up to the candidate to take advantage of this opportunity.

Some people are still undecided about whom they are going to vote. This debate may be the deal-breaker for some candidates.

Some suggestions were that the debate also be cosponsored with other news outlets.

This is our response: There’s no reason why other debates besides ours can’t be held. Anyone who wishes to do so is free to. You may or may not remember that the Amboy Guardian had our debate days after another Mayoral debate was held. Originally we were going to have the 2012 debate held at a smaller venue, but decided to go bigger. It was a wise decision because the overwhelming response and attendance at the event.

So if you want to hear the candidates on the issues be there at Temple Beth Mordecai, 224 High St., Perth Amboy on Thursday, October 27, 2016. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. We’d like to see you there.

C.M. & K.M.

P.S. If any organization notifies us of debates coming up, we will publish the information. Just make certain that all the information is confirmed before submitting for publication.