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Friday, October 21, 2011
Talking out the issues Woods, Lenares face off in mayoral debate By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
Current Republican Mayor Mike Lenares went up against Democratic mayoral candidate Steve Woods in a debate Monday.Newington Community Television hosted the event, and about 100 members of the public came to listen to the opponents discuss their plans for Newington. Both candidates discussed the negative ramifications of former
Mayor Jeff Wright’s leadership, Lenares emphasized his own “zero-percent increase” promise to not raise taxes if elected, and Woods promised to not make any promises he might not be able to keep depending on the future standing of the state and federal government. “I don’t only talk it, but I walk the walk,” Woods said when discussing party politics. “I don’t just talk about being bipartisan, I live bipartisan.” Questions were asked by a media
panel of representatives from the Hartford Courant, Newington Life and the Newington Town Crier, and the debate was moderated by NCTV’s Gary Byron. The candidates answered a total of 10 questions on their strategies, views on hot-button issues, and other subjects. Some Newington residents have said both candidates are similar — they both own landscaping companies in town — and agree on many of their views. The purpose of the debate
Republican Mayor Mike Lenares, left, and Democratic challenger Steve Woods squared off in a debate Monday.
was to identify their differences. When a question about building on Cedar Mountain came up, it was clear where one distinction lies. “Commercial and residential development need to take the backseat to open space,” Woods said. “I hope we can stop the development, it will probably change the makeup of the town. I will do everything I can to
Volume 52, No. 40
save it.” “We do want to preserve as much open space as we can, but that comes with a large dollar sign,” Lenares said. Referring to where the town could
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