Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is not mincing words when asked about debating his opponent in the November election.

“That will not occur,” Sarno said in an interview Wednesday.

Sarno defends his decision not to debate by calling himself very accessible, and one of the most scrutinized public officials in western Mass.

“People know I’m out there many a times, and I have spoken to other  groups, ” Sarno said. “But I’m being very frank and honest with you. As campaigns evolve, they have certain strategies to put forth. That is not in our campaign strategy. I’m proud of our team — [and] the accomplishments that we have. I have spoken to a number of groups. Again, I do have a very hectic schedule, sometimes being double or triple booked.”

On social media, Sarno’s opponent, Sal Circosta, has mocked the mayor’s decision to refuse to debate, asking “What is Sarno afraid of?”