Mayoral Debates?

[Bryan Schwegler]

Are there ever any debates held amongst the Mayoral candidates? It seems like a great opportunity to actually hear about the issues and the candidates stances.

If there's not one already, it seems like a great non-partisan civic opportunity for the Observer to sponsor.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Are there ever any debates held amongst the Mayoral candidates? It seems like a great opportunity to actually hear about the issues and the candidates stances.

If there's not one already, it seems like a great non-partisan civic opportunity for the Observer to sponsor.

Bryan

We have a budget for debates, but are looking towards something a little better.

I think we have some very good ideas which will bring out what the candidates think and have planned.

I do think we are about to enjoy a rebirth of political activity on the Deck. I have spoken to all candidates plus a new one yet to announce today. Also we are looking at meetings with all members of council.

This will be a very good election cycle.



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[Bryan Schwegler]

Outstanding to hear. I should have realized you guys had something in the works

[Jim O'Bryan]

Outstanding to hear. I should have realized you guys had something in the works

Bryan

We will once again work with the League Of Women Voters and their Candidate Night, publishing that information. Just met with one of them.

We have the ability and backing for the debates.

I have always found that format to be limiting. I think we have a way to be extremely fair to all candidates.

Other things we have ready to go. Straw polls, street polls, and some very interesting access to at least some of the candidates we have spoken with.

The November Election will see us try to set the gold standard for coverage.


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[Julie Mosher]

I would love to see Tom try and explain why Lakewood hasn't improved during his rule and why he still collects a paycheck.

[Danielle Masters]

Has Mayor George agreed to debate? In public and on the deck he seems to just tout his "accomplishments". I have never once seen him at a community meeting where substantive issues are being discussed and hard questions are asked of those in charge. He shows up for photo ops and speeches. I just can't see him debating but I hope I am wrong, because I have a few questions I'd like to ask him.

[Jim O'Bryan]

I would love to see Tom try and explain why Lakewood hasn't improved during his rule and why he still collects a paycheck.

Julie

You are kidding right?

We can debate many things, especially after the spring election.

But to make a blind statement, like that. come on.

I am more than willing to keep the paper out of this, but personally
I cannot let that stand.

Were you here for the previous administration?

(For Observers that do not know Julie, she is a very capable, very smart writer from the right. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Ryan Patrick Demro party, spoke with her and asked her to write. Julie welcome aboard, good to have you here.)

Dannielle

The mayor has jumped in on many discussions. Actually the Mayor Tom George and Ryan Patrick Demro have been very active on the Deck and with the Observer. Both supported and encourage this project from day one.

As much as I would prefer to see this mayoral election wait its turn as we have at least one very important yes vote coming up for the school bond issue. Let's get that out of the way then rumble on.

FWIW

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[Danielle Masters]

As much as I would prefer to see this mayoral election wait its turn as we have at least one very important yes vote coming up for the school bond issue. Let's get that out of the way then rumble on.

You are so right Jim. That is something that hopefully we can all agree on, but I still stay I've haven't heard much substance from the mayor. Take the condition of the parks for example as that is by biggest gripe, he won't even come out and say that they are in disrepair. In fact in he did play a recording at a council meeting, sorry can't remember the date, of a conversation with citizens regarding how nice Lakewood Park is. While I do still continue to take my children to the park, you'd have to be blind to thinks its clean or in good shape. I'd just like to know what is going to be done with the parks, or is the administration just going to continue to thumbs its nose at families? That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

[Danielle Masters]

I really should get to bed, but something else was bothering me. Jim, you say:

The mayor has jumped in on many discussions.

I seem to remember early last year that the mayor proposed an income tax increase. The only open dialogue with the community was from Ryan Demro. The mayor didn't bother to show up and listen to citizens concerns. And then he didn't even have the leadership to stand by his decision. The increase never even came up for a vote. If a leader feels a tax increase is needed they need to have the fortitude to defend their position, not hide when you hear the public is against you. I would have had some respect for him if he would have shown up at perhaps one of those meetings.

[Suzanne Metelko]

Ryan
I am anxiously awaiting the debates to form my opinion!

Justine,

We're also anxiously awaiting the debates. This community deserves a moderated, open forum on the issues. We have at least three community organizations who are appropriate to host such a debate and we just need a day, time and place.

I hope that Lakewood Alive, The Lakewood League of Women Voters and the Lakewood Observer each schedule a community debate during September.

Suzanne Metelko
ryandemro.com

[Richard Cole]

Some sort of debate/community discussion I think is essential. But...in order for it to be worthwhile, an extremely competant moderator is needed in order to ensure that questions are answered. Too often, in too many debates, questions are ignored and all we get are 30 second soundbites bearing little, if any, relevance to the question.

[Bill Call]

Some sort of debate/community discussion I think is essential. But...in order for it to be worthwhile, an extremely competant moderator is needed in order to ensure that questions are answered. Too often, in too many debates, questions are ignored and all we get are 30 second soundbites bearing little, if any, relevance to the question.

I agree. Which means you are right.

[Lynn Farris]

If we don't have debates, it would be civically irresponsible, I believe. It would be the first time that I can remember that there weren't debates. Usually there are many of them.

The League of Woman Voters
The Kiwanis
The Chamber of Commerce
The PTA

These are some of the big ones and I think the Lakewood Observer should be added.

It allows people to hear the different directions that the various candidates plan to take the city. It is useful and informative.

Normally the League of Woman Voters Debate has aired several times on Cox as well.

Even if all 3 won't debate, we should still have them and hear from the Ward Candidates as well as the Mayoral candidates that want to share with the public.

[Dan Shields]

Lynn -
I am ready to participate in any debate(s), whether they include the mayoral candidates or whether they are separate for the wards. I encourage my opponents in the Ward 2 race to join me. I suggest we do three or four debates, with different groups hosting, so that there can be a variety of viewpoints represented. Also, didn't Cox cable air a debate in '05? I'm ready to go.
Dan Shields

[Ryan Patrick Demro]

Lynn,

Those events that you mentioned are simply forums, not debates. Debates imply that there is interaction with the candidates. Those are simply question and answer events. It would be great if we could get some real debates.

-Ryan