Galloway, N.J.  - The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University and The Press of Atlantic City will cosponsor a debate among state Assembly candidates in Legislative District 2 on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The one-hour debate will start at 6 p.m. in the Fannie Lou Hamer Room of the Stockton Academic Center, 3711 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City. The forum is free and open to the public.

Candidates agreeing to participate in the debate include Assembly incumbents Vincent Mazzeo and John Armato, both Democrats, and Republican challengers Philip Guenther, a former Brigantine mayor, and Atlantic County Freeholder John Risley.

John Froonjian, interim executive director of the Hughes Center, will moderate the debate. A representative of The Press will serve as a panelist.

Members of the public and Stockton University students and staff are encouraged to propose questions that may be asked of the candidate during the debate. Suggested questions can be emailed Newstips@pressofac.com or to hughescenter@stockton.edu by midnight Oct. 15. Please use the subject line: “2^nd District debate question.”

The 2^nd District has featured some of the most competitive – and expensive – legislative races in New Jersey going back decades. The district’s voters don’t simply vote the party line, Froonjian said.

“In most New Jersey districts, one party controls both the Senate and Assembly seats for years at a time. Legislative representation in the 2^nd District has been split between Democrats and Republicans in 10 of the last 15 legislative terms,” Froonjian said. “That split reflects the competitive nature of the district.”

Froonjian said candidate debates allow voters to evaluate the candidates’ positions and leadership qualities, providing valuable information on which voters can make informed choices.

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Stockton University on this vital part of the electoral process as part of our election coverage,” said W.F. “Buzz” Keough, executive editor of The Press.

Partisan campaigning is not allowed on state property. No campaign signs will be allowed on campus property. Members of the public who attend the debate will not be allowed to enter the premises with campaign signs, hats, buttons, T-shirts or any materials with election messages.

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Contact:
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Stockton University
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.DAmico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
609-412-8069
stockton.edu/media