The final scheduled debate between incumbent First Selectman Janet McCarty and Republican challenger Mike Freda wasn’t much of a debate. Hosted by Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, the format of the debate changed this year to make it a more informal event, and allowed the candidates more time to mingle among the audience.

McCarty and Freda were joined by the two mayoral candidates from Hamden – Democrat Scott Jackson and Republican Ron Gambardella – at the Sunday morning event. Each candidate took a few minutes to make a statement, then the floor was open for questions from the audience.

Despite not having the opportunity for rebuttals, the candidates made clear attempts to draw a line of distinction between themselves. Freda emphasized his extensive business experience and the many opportunities he sees in North Haven’s future for economic growth and enhanced services. McCarty took the time to note that she was the only incumbent on the panel of candidates, and focused on the accomplishments that have come in her nearly two-year term.

Freda said one of his goals as first selectman would be to integrate himself in the business community and grow the town’s economic base.

“The goal of economic development is to reduce the tax burden on citizens,” Freda said. “If we can engage in the development of the Pratt and Whitney site and start putting some productive businesses there it will have a positive ripple affect in town.”

McCarty explained that she sees the job of the first selectman as a facilitator, hiring the best people as department heads and helping them do their jobs.

“That goes for economic development as well,” she said. “I don’t think the first selectman should be out there making deals.”

The first selectman went on to note the recent success of the North Haven Commons development, in which they are hoping to soon house a Trader Joe’s grocery store. Another step in promoting future economic development, McCarty said, is the town’s recent approval for bonding to connect Route 22 and Route 5. McCarty said the project had been stagnant until she came into office.

“We have a stable, affordable town with no tax increase,” McCarty said. “That’s the best gift to give to a business and residents in town.”

Freda countered with his position on the matter. “There are times when you have to be a facilitator, but there are times when you have to step up and lead,” he said. “I will promote North Haven in terms of its benefits, its demographics and what the municipality can offer.”

One audience member stated that morale among town hall employees is at an all time low, and questioned what each of the candidates would do to restore it.

McCarty denied the claim. “I don’t believe that the morale in town hall is suffering at all,” she said.

She explained how her administration had successfully negotiated five contracts with the town’s employees, which was not an easy task. Some of the contracts had been sitting without any action for years, she said.

“I think the people in town hall are grateful to have jobs and grateful to have good benefits,” McCarty said. “I believe the people in town hall are happy.”

Freda said it is important to treat people with respect and get to know them when trying to motivate a workforce.

“An effective leader has to be engaged, has to listen, and relate to people on many levels,” Freda said. “Poor leadership is confined to an office.”

To this point, one of Freda’s initiatives should he be elected to the first selectman position, is to institute a 24-hour call back policy in town hall. Along with enhancing public services, increasing appropriate economic development, and facilitating more collaboration with other town entities, Freda has plans to restore North Haven’s title as one of the best town’s in Connecticut.

“I want to restore North Haven back to one of the top 100 places to live,” he said. “Then I’d like to take North Haven into the top 50, the top 20 and then the top 10.”

McCarty is standing on her record going into Election Day. She credits her administration with spending more money on capital items, putting contracts out to bid, applying for and receiving a number of federal grants, negotiating a trash contract and offering single stream recycling.

“We did this during the worst recession since the Great Depression,” McCarty said. “Our town is stable, our taxes are affordable, and our town government is accessible to everyone.”