Why Is DeLauro Using A Separate But Equal Approach?

“During
the summer, United Seniors for America hosted forums, individually, for incumbent
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and for me.  They
are now requesting that both of us participate in a live debate in front of our
seniors. I have accepted and will be present on Thursday, October 25th
6:30pm at West Haven City Hall.  That’s
good news for the people of the 3rd CD.  Whether Incumbent DeLauro has accepted their
invitation remains an open question.

Interestingly,
following commitments late all afternoon, when I checked my email, I found the
following email message.  It was time-stamped
as sent from the DeLauro campaign at 1:33 PM today, October 11th
2012.  The entire message reads:

Dear Mr. Winsley,



United Seniors for America welcomed both yourself and Congresswoman DeLauro to
a candidate forum this summer. They chose to host these forums separately.
Congresswoman DeLauro had a fruitful exchange of ideas with their members at
her visit. As you are aware, the Congresswoman spent over an hour-and-half
making sure everyone had an opportunity to have their questions answered.



Congresswoman DeLauro has always taken part in debates and forums which give
the voters of the Third Congressional District the chance to hear her views on
important issues. By participating in forums in various parts of the district,
voters will have an opportunity to directly engage with the candidates. The
televised debate will afford all voters in the Third District the chance to see
the candidates debate their positions.



We look forward to meeting with you for a taped debate on Channel 3/WFSB's Face
the State on October 18th, as well as the candidate forums with the Westfield
Residents on October 22nd at 7:30 PM, and at Congregation Mishkan Israel on
October 28 at 10:00 AM.  Thank you,



Jimmy Tickey

Campaign Manager

So
again, the open question remains will Incumbent DeLauro show up at the United
Seniors forum on October 25th? 

Overall,
incumbent DeLauro’s decision leaves all the voters of the third district with
only one taped, closed-to-the-public TV debate - of less than 30 minutes
duration - with no chance to ask their questions and hear our concurrent responses. 

Obviously,
Incumbent DeLauro believes that - even when inclusive forums are requested by 3rd
District citizens – that her decision to use a ‘separate but equal’ approach to
forums; and, to limit public exchange between candidates is good enough for the
voters.

I
disagree with that approach; and, the attitude of unwillingness to engage all
the people that approach conveys to citizens.   

Instead,
I believe what is best for all the citizens in the 3rd Congressional
District is this:

v  Ms. DeLauro and I
should travel daily in the same vehicle - visit every senior center - and every
library in the district every Monday
through Saturday.  Every Sunday, through November 6, we appear jointly at several different
churches, temples and synagogues.  I say…
Let’s start in New Haven.

What
say you Congresswoman?

As
your next representative, I - Wayne Winsley - will work hard to serve all the citizens
of the Third Congressional with forthrightness, honor, and integrity.