Dan Carter Is Asking for a Debate

Report by Paula Antolini, January 13, 2023, 6:47PM EDT

Press release:

DAN CARTER IS ASKING FOR A DEBATE

Bethel, CT – Dan Carter, candidate for Bethel First Selectman and former State Representative is asking his opponent for a debate.

“With the special election only weeks away, Bethel voters deserve an opportunity to see their candidates side by side,” said Carter. “I have agreed to an open forum or debate and I encourage Rich to do the same.”

Dan Carter, who currently sits on the Bethel Board of Finance, is running for Bethel First Selectman in a special election on February 7th, 2023. Bethel residents will be choosing who will replace Matt Knickerbocker who left the position in August. Richard Straiton, the Acting First Selectman, is also running for the position. The winner of the special election will fulfill the remainder of the former First Selectman’s term ending in November.

“My education, leadership experience as an Air Force officer, and my tenure representing Bethel in the Connecticut State Legislature make me the only candidate truly qualified to lead the town forward,” remarked Carter. “Bethel has grown so much and we can’t afford to go backward. We need experienced leadership and only an open forum can show voters the difference between candidates.”

Carter, a resident in Bethel since 2004, served on active duty in the United States Air Force as an Officer and Pilot, where he achieved the rank of Major. He flew the C-130 Hercules during Desert Storm and had assignments teaching new pilots in the T-38 Talon and the T-1A Jayhawk. Carter also held numerous staff positions where he was recognized for his leadership. He has had leadership roles in corporate and in small businesses and served as a State Representative for Bethel from 2011 to 2017.

“People in Bethel who know me remember me as their state representative in Hartford or know I sit on the Bethel Board of Finance,” said Carter. “But it’s my military and business leadership experience that are the real qualifications to be the chief executive of the town. Bethel residents deserve a chance to get to know the candidates before a critical election.”

Carter pointed out that education and business experience have been critical to the success of other municipal chief executives in the region. Carter maintains that with an advanced degree, leadership training, and his long tenure working on issues that affect Bethel, he is the best choice to step into the role.

“There are so many important issues facing Bethel today, including concerns about development in town and the upcoming budget,” said Carter. “I am on the record with a vision for dealing with some of these issues and it’s important that residents can compare where the candidates stand.”

Paid for by Dan for Bethel, Dan Nostin Treasurer. Approved by Dan Carter

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