It’s the hallmark of democratic elections. It sealed the fate of
a sweaty Richard Nixon in 1960, but many others have used the
occasion to persuade voters with eloquence. It’s the pre-election
debate, and it’s fast-approaching.
Gilroy – It’s the hallmark of democratic elections. It sealed the fate of a sweaty Richard Nixon in 1960, but many others have used the occasion to persuade voters with eloquence. It’s the pre-election debate, and it’s fast-approaching.
The Dispatch will host the city council and mayoral debates Thursday at Gavilan College, with members of the American Association of University Women asking questions, as well. Many candidates have said they see the event as an opportunity to clarify voter confusion on the most popular issues.
These include the possible multi-million-dollar acquisition of Gilroy Gardens, sidewalk repairs, raises for top-level city officials, the possibility of a massive new mall east of the city, public safety, housing development and a $14 million school facilities debt.
Incumbent Russ Valiquette said he’ll concentrate on residents’ misunderstandings of the proposed sidewalk ordinance.
“There’s a lot of misinformation put out there because a lot of candidates don’t have a platform to stand on, so they try to put everybody else on the defensive with a smoke-and-mirrors campaign,” Valiquette said. “I would like to get the sidewalk issue put to bed so residents understand that, and the pay raises, as well.”
Candidate Bob Dillon agreed.
“I’m looking forward to the debate with bells on,” Dillon said. “We’re going to talk about everything, especially the sidewalks.”
The debate begins at 6:30pm and is scheduled to last two-and-a-half hours at the Community Media Access Partnership’s TV studio at Gavilan College.
The council forum will consist of four rounds of four questions each, with one candidate answering the query and another responding to that answer. The shorter mayoral forum will follow afterward.
Councilman Craig Gartman is challenging Mayor Al Pinheiro for the mayor’s seat, and Planning Commissioners Tim Day and Cat Tucker, lawyer Perry Woodward, Dillon, and incumbents Roland Velasco and Valiquette are running for the three available council seats.
The broadcast will replay throughout the first week of October, and CMAP Programming Manager Jan Janes said that while she can’t attest to any potential increase in viewership on Channel 20, she hopes the re-runs will help residents vote Nov. 6.
“I would like as many people as possible see the debate so they can make the best possible decision come election time,” Janes said.
