Republicans Issue Formal Call for Debate

Calling it an unprecedented but necessary move, Republicans Sam Cianfarini and Ray Chintall issued a formal challenge Tuesday, calling for a debate with Democrats Hunter Kintzing and Denice DiCarlo, as well as independent Len Daws.

In a letter to the opposing campaigns, the Republicans called it a chance to provide a personal approach to the candidates in an effort to better inform the electorate.

“We can't just do politics as normal,” Cianfarini said “The voter is entitled to much more than that.”

Chintall said that standard campaigning–door-to-door visits, yard signs and mailers–isn't enough, and though a debate on the local level is unusual, could fill in the gaps.

“A debate will instantaneously afford the residents all views from all participating candidates,” he said.

Both men recognized the logistics could be difficult–everything from a location to what order questions are answered to even how the room is laid out–but said they believe the benefits are clear.

“A debate is a forum people would take seriously,” Cianfarini said.

The Republicans have already reached out to the League of Women Voters in considering a moderator, but Cianfarini said there's some concern that the closest chapter is in Camden County, and might not have an immediate grasp of West Deptford's particular set of issues.

To that end, they're considering other options, including a moderating panel of neutral parties.

No matter the format, Cianfarini said he hopes a debate can address specific solutions to some of the problems West Deptford faces.

“Everything's fair game,” he said.

In an ideal world, the Republicans said there would be multiple debates ahead of November, to give voters a chance to see at least one, but said they're hopeful at least one can happen some time between mid-September and Election Day. They said the plan would be to videotape any debates that do happen, in order to give as many people access as possible.

Chintall said he's less concerned with debate scoring and winners and losers than keeping locals informed.

“The residents are the winners–I don't think there are any losers,” Chintall said.