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Politics & Government

Second First Selectman Debate Is First Class

Republican candidates focus on the issues facing New Canaan and leave the negative tone and rhetoric at home for the second debate.

The tension was gone, so was the vitriol that stained between Republican First Selectman candidates i and a week ago.

If that was a slugfest, then Thursday's second and final pre-caucus debate at was more like a badminton match where the competitors exchanged soft volleys until somebody set one up so easily, there was no choice but to spike one home with authority.

The event was sponsored by the and moderated by former Connecticut senator William T. Nickerson. 

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While the first debate centered on the state of , round two dealt with qualifications, the budget and debt reduction, and labor relations.

Mallozzi, who morphed from Rob the retailer to Rob the polished politician in less than a week, accused Guisti, who is on the , for his part in the botched labor negotiations with the police and .

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"In the middle of negotiations last December when we're trying to tell the unions we have no money," Mallozzi said. "You send out a press release saying we have a three million dollar surplus that we want to give back to the taxpayers in the form of a refund."

Guisti responded by saying the money was not the town's to keep.

"When times are tough and people are struggling with unemployment and uncertainty, it made sense for me to return the money to the taxpayers because it's  your money" Giusti answered in rebuttal. "It's not money the town should just hold on to. I felt that was something thatwas at least worth considering."

When it came to the budget and the town's debt, Mallozzi pointed out that at $131 million dollars,  New Canaan has the largest single per capita debt in its peer group. He called for a leader who knows what is best for the town.

"When taking on more debt, we have to make sure it's for absolute needs. We are not in position at all, as a town or society, where it can be for 'wants,'" he said. "I can do a better job of enunciating and clearly defining the needs of this town."

Guisti pointed out that the town's debt has been reduced by $119.5 million dollars over the last four years and the programs  he's helped implement over that time have been working.

Each candidates was given the opportunity to question his opponent and Guisti swung first, asking Mallozzi what responsibility he took as selectman for the state of downtown, its financial shape, and the physical condition of Town Hall .

"I can't take a lot of responsibility because I lost most votes 2-1," Mallozzi said. "I'm not the poster boy for this administration. I never have been. It's the truth."

Guisti challenged Mallozzi, saying there were only three time when votes went 2-1 and that hundreds were 3-0, accentuating that his opponent was "not as contrarian as (he) was pointing out."  

Mallozzi admitted that he shouldn't have said "most", and clarified he was in the minority on the "contentious issues."

Mallozzi countered by asking Guisti about his stated top three priorities for the town, which have not changed over an eight year period. Excellence in educuation, preserving the character of the town, and sound fiscal management have been Guisti's mantra since entering the political arena and he's tried drilling that into the consciousness of voters.

"If I'm going to be criticized for being consistent," Guisti said. "Then so be it. I have been consistent and it's something I'm unwavering about those issues."

In closing statements, Mallozzi said his message comes down to a single word and that was "trust" in him as person, the actions he's made on the town's behalf, and his vision for the future. He also reiterated his strong background and ties to New Canaan.

Guisti said that the issues will always change but the need for strong leadership is constant. He once again pointed out his belief in excellence for education, preserving the charm of the town, and making good fiscal decisions. In conclusion, Guisti promised to work hard, listen, and bring people together so there is common ground.

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