Republican Flathead County commissioner candidate Phil Mitchell has declined an invitation from the Daily Inter Lake to participate in a public debate with his opponent, Democrat Stacey Schnebel.

Schnebel had expressed her interest in participating in a debate sponsored by the Inter Lake.

The candidates are vying for the District 1 county commissioner seat in the Nov. 4 general election. Mitchell, of Whitefish, beat current District 1 Commissioner Cal Scott in the June primary election.

In a letter to Inter Lake Managing Editor Frank Miele, Mitchell said his time is limited and he doesn’t “see a valid reason for me to debate my Democratic opponent at this time because I have clearly stated what I stand for.

“I stand for individual freedom, protecting private property rights, supporting all businesses, utilizing our natural resources, protecting our water rights and I am a proud member of the National Rifle Association and believe we must protect our right to keep and bear arms,” Mitchell said.

Schnebel, of Coram, said she is “very disappointed” she won’t have an opportunity to discuss county issues in a public forum.

“Our voters deserve to hear our views straight from our mouths, sitting in front of the public,” she said. “I want the debate to show the public who the best candidate is ... voters should expect more from us. I’m a voter and a citizen of Flathead County and I deserve to hear what Phil Mitchell thinks.”

Mitchell said he believes his long record of public service speaks for itself.

“I have fought hard for protecting private property rights, fought hard for representation of Whitefish doughnut residents, fought hard against excessive regulations, fought hard to keep government spending in check,” Mitchell said. “There is no debate as to where I stand.”