Fairfield University has accepted to host one of three proposed debates for the race for Fairfield First Selectman, Republican candidate Tony Hwang announced on Monday.

Hwang, a state senator representing Fairfield and three other neighboring towns, said he invited First Selectman Christine Vitale to participate in a series of three debates centered on the topics of economic development and public safety, education, housing and community planning and a third debate on taxes and spending.

The debates would be hosted by independent community organizations, including Fairfield University, the Fairfield Rotary Club and News 12 CT’s Power & Politics. 

“Voters deserve the chance to vote and hear directly from both of us, side by side, on our visions and experience to lead our town forward,” Hwang wrote in the invitation to Vitale. “I believe we can both agree that open, respectful dialogue and facts are essential to effective governance, and I hope you will accept this invitation to provide transparency and clarity for our community.”

Vitale has yet to respond to Hwang’s request for public debates, an issue he raised before the Board of Selectmen voted to hold the special election early next year. 

It won’t be the first time Fairfield hosts a public candidate forum.

Last October, the university hosted a legislative forum with five local candidates in an event that was meant to be hosted along with the Fairfield League of Women Voters. However, the organization ultimately canceled its participation after no Republicans agreed to attend, according to reports from the Connecticut Post.  

The 2024 forum also served to promote the university as the town’s early voting location, which offered Fairfield voters the ability to cast their votes as early as two weeks before Election Day.

“These events have been organized with the support of faculty and students, creating a space for thoughtful discussion and dialogue,” said Jennifer Anderson, vice president of marketing and communication at Fairfield University. “In that spirit, we would welcome the opportunity to host a conversation or debate at Fairfield, offering voters and the greater community a chance to hear directly from both candidates running in the upcoming election.

This year, in preparation for the upcoming municipal election, the Town of Fairfield announced that the university’s bookstore will serve as the town’s early voting center starting on Oct. 20 through Nov. 2. The town will be using the second floor of the bookstore located on 1499 Post Rd.

Early voting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours for the last two days of early voting.