Election ’21: WT mayor, council candidates set for debate Oct. 12

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The candidates have agreed and the moderator and venue are locked in: Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m., at council chambers, with WCTV-NJ to televise and stream live — no Zoom required — with the public not attending in person.

The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley, which moderated four years ago when the debate was at the high school, is back for more.

Township residents may email their questions to Lucy Heller at lwvno.valley@gmail.com by Oct. 11. Indicate to whom your question is directed — any one, or all. Senders must include their name and address for benefit of the moderator. Questions must address issues of local government; personal attacks are not permitted. The moderator’s determination of whether a question is appropriate is final.

Candidates are first-term incumbent Republican mayor Peter Calamari with running mates Councilman Thomas Sears and Public Affairs Director Daisy Velez, facing challengers Independent councilman and engineer Michael DeSena and running mates Fire Chief Kevin Zitko and financial planner Michael Werfel.

All-volunteer WCTV airs on Fios 24 North NJ; Optimum 77 Westwood and WT and is simulcast on LocalBTV app.

Editor’s note: This story was updated and posted Oct. 1, a day after the print version shipped. It reflects new information: the moderator’s instructions, with deadline, for residents to forward questions for the debate.