Democratic First Selectman candidate Mary Beth Thornton today called on her opponent, Republican Tim Herbst, to commit to a series of debates in the next few weeks. Thornton also called on Herbst to require that candidates on his ticket debate their opponents as well.

“There is no better way to engage the community on the important issues facing our town than to discuss those issues in an unscripted face-to-face setting, where the candidates are free to challenge each other directly,” Thornton said. “We can work out the details of time, place and sponsors, but right now, Tim Herbst needs to say publicly that he’s willing.

“For my part, I’m ready,” Thornton said. “Bring it on.”

Thornton suggested the candidates for First Selectman have three debates, each dedicated to a specific theme: Fiscal policy, education, and economic development. She also suggested that candidates for the Board of Education and the Board of Finance have their own debates, with a format to be agreed upon in the days ahead.

“Let’s agree on the basics today—that the candidates for First Selectman, Board of Education and Board of Finance will debate in the next month and a half,” Thornton said. “We can iron out the details as we move forward. I look forward to hearing from the Herbst campaign, and I will direct my campaign manager to meet with the Herbst camp to develop a specific action plan.”