Mayor debate chance to get informed

As time winds down leading up to the Oct. 3 municipal election, candidates for borough mayor, assembly and school board have their campaigns in overdrive. It is impossible to drive anywhere in the Valley without seeing a yard sign. Radio and print advertisements are equally widespread, and our letters pages have been jammed with testimonials for individuals seeking office.

While we appreciate all who take the time to submit a letter to us, we also realize that borough voters may feel ill-equipped to cast an educated vote based on an advertisement or the words of a letter-writer. To that end, we invite all interested voters to a debate Wednesday night featuring candidates for borough mayor.

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Mat-Su College, which is located off Trunk Road.

Realizing that voters may be weary of candidate forums - there have been plenty in recent weeks, to be sure - we're using a format that we think audience members will find both informative and entertaining. By limiting the debate to the five candidates for mayor - Charlie Fannon, Curt Menard, Jody Simpson, David Straub and Bruce Walden - we hope to spend more time on individual issues. This should enliven the dialogue, encourage interaction among candidates and allow broader responses than the usual superficial answering of questions.

Candidates will face a panel of four questioners: Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Managing Editor Mark Kelsey, Amanda Stossel, from KTNA radio in Talkeetna, Jim Sykes, from Radio Free Palmer, and Emily Forstner, a longtime local educator who serves on our reader advisory board. After opening statements from each candidate, the debate will begin with a series of questions and follow-ups from the panel. Then, candidates will have an opportunity to pose a question to one, or all, of their fellow candidates.

We'd also like to involve our readers. So we're asking you to e-mail in any questions about borough-related issues you may have for the candidates. We will ask as many as we can, time allowed.

Questions should be sent to Managing Editor Mark Kelsey at mark.kelsey@frontiersman.com. The words &#8220debate question” should be in the subject line of the e-mail. For more information, interested people may call 352-2268.

There is much at stake for the borough, and the October election will play a big part in shaping the future for residents and their children. We urge everyone to get involved and get informed. Wednesday's debate may be just the ticket.

See you there.