STRATFORD -- Topics ranging from the Shakespeare Theater to school test scores and controlling taxes were on the table Tuesday, as the town's four mayoral candidates squared off in a debate that grew heated at times.
More than 100 people attended the approximately 90-minute debate, co-sponsored by the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association and Save Stratford, held in the Christ Episcopal Church parish house on Main Street and moderated by Sheldon Gerarden.
Questions posed to candidates probed the "bickering" among city leaders, economic development in town, the concept of an expansion at Sikorsky Memorial Airport and especially the long-shuttered theater.
Incumbent James R. Miron, the town's first mayor, is seeking a second four-year term and stressed the town's upgraded bond rating and budget surpluses for three consecutive years under his leadership.
Republican challenger John Harkins, a state representative for the past 13 years, accused Miron of nepotism and deceptive dealings, which he said have been the brunt of comments from leaders in Hartford and elsewhere.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've been a laughingstock," Harkins said. "That's what I'm looking to change. I'm here to fire this mayor. He hires political allies and friends and then backs away. Morale is low. We need sunshine. If I'm elected mayor, the buck stops here, with me. I will work every day to restore the public trust in government."
Harkins also said Miron has never taken responsibility for his missteps and has been a polarizing presence in town. Miron countered that candidates say many things while campaigning, but not all of them are true.
"Stratford is better today than it was four years ago," he said. "This is a town where people love living. I think I deserve another opportunity. I don't think the town can afford to (fire me). We've got to stay the course with the strong leadership and proven results that I've provided."
Members of the Republican-majority Town Council "have played Whack-a-mole with me as the mayor every time they got a chance," he added. "I think the new Town Council ... will be starting with the right people for moving this town forward."
Miron said Harkins was unaware of many details, and reliant on campaign workers to give him talking points.
Independent candidate Domenic Costello, a successful small businessman who funds the majority of his own campaign, said he'd focus on being the people's voice, after gaining a "consensus" from locals by holding regular meetings and hearing from them.
"I have no political agenda," he said. "I do it because of you, the people. I could make a difference for you."
George Mulligan, another independent, said news reports and politicians have been ignoring the big issues, which include contracts, lawyers who are "milking" the town and unfunded pensions.
"There's a pension tsunami that's going to happen," he warned. "I'm trying to bring facts out to people who really don't pay attention to local politics."
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