Turning Their Backs on Mansfield

On April 14, WRNJ Radio invited all three candidates running for Mansfield Township Committee to participate in a live public forum. I responded on April 15 and confirmed my attendance without hesitation. I was ready to speak directly to voters, answer tough questions, and explain my positions openly. That is what public service requires.

On May 5, I received confirmation that the forum had been canceled. The reason? The other two candidates, Desiree Mora Dillon and Glen McGuinness, declined to participate. Not rescheduled. Not postponed. They simply said no.

This was not a private event. This was not a partisan ambush. This was a fair and open platform hosted by a local radio station that has served this community for decades. It was a chance for all three candidates to speak in their own words and let residents make informed decisions. By walking away from that opportunity, my opponents made it clear that they are not interested in answering to the people they claim to represent.

Let that sink in. Two sitting members of the Township Committee had the chance to stand beside their challenger, on equal footing, and speak directly to the public. Instead, they chose silence. That is not leadership. That is avoidance.

When candidates run from public forums, it raises real concerns. If they will not answer questions during a campaign, why would they be responsive once in office? If they are not willing to speak to residents now, what confidence should we have that they will listen to residents later?

Public office is not about comfort. It is about accountability. It is about showing up even when the questions are hard and the spotlight is uncomfortable. Saying no to a public forum is saying no to transparency. It is saying no to responsibility. It is saying no to the very people whose votes you are asking for.

I do not fear questions. I do not avoid the public. I believe in showing up, speaking clearly, and being held accountable for the positions I take. That is why I agreed to the forum. That is why I continue to be available to every resident who wants to have a real conversation about the future of Mansfield.

Desiree Mora Dillon and Glen McGuinness had their chance to face the public and make their case. They chose to walk away from it. That choice should not be overlooked. It should be remembered.

You deserve leaders who show up. You deserve more than silence.