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Plans finalized for political forum '08 |
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Tuesday, 07 October 2008 |
Eight candidates will take the biggest general election campaign stage in Saline County two weeks from Monday night, and not one is an incumbent.
Candidates for the Arkansas House of Representatives, 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court and sheriff will address voters in prime time at the historic Royal Theatre in Downtown Benton.
The following night on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 14 city council candidates in Benton and Bryant will participate in Political Forum 2008, which is co-sponsored by the Courier and TV95.
Moderators for both nights have been confirmed. Rex Nelson, a former political writer and consultant, will moderate on Monday night. Dave Woodman, a former Channel 4 news anchor, will take the microphone on Tuesday night.
Both men have moderated previous forums.
“We couldn’t be happier to have these two professionals,” Sam Stueart, co-owner of TV95, said. “They lend even more credibility to an already credible forum.”
TV95 viewers also are familiar with Woodman as the play-by-play announcers for area high school football games the past couple of years.
“This forum is unquestionably the premiere campaign forum for local candidates,” said Whit Jones, Courier editor. “That’s been the case since the forums began in 2006. Having Rex and Dave back only enhances that reputation.”
The format will be similar to past forums except that candidates will not be given questions in advance.
“Only a couple of candidates are uncomfortable with this decision,” Jones said. “They may be thinking that they’re going to be blindsided with divisive questions but nothing could be further from the truth.
“We made the decision to let voters hear extemporaneous answers because we simply believe candidates for political office are capable of thinking on their feet. The questions will be relative to issues in each race.”
Candidates will be given two minutes for opening and closing remarks. Each candidate will be asked two questions and will have two minutes to respond.
The forum starts at 7 p.m. and there will be a 15-minute intermission each night. The doors will open at 6:15.
Tickets are free but seating at the Royal is limited to 215 people. Tickets will be limited to four per person.
Tickets will be available later this week at the Courier and TV95 office at 321 N. Market St. in Benton. An announcement will be made when tickets become available.
“We expect both sessions to be full even though they will be televised live on TV95,” Stueart said.
“We want to let people know that any seats not filled 10 minutes prior to the start of the forum will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if someone doesn’t get a ticket, it wouldn’t hurt to be at the Royal just in case.”
Following are candidates who will participate in the forum:
MONDAY, OCT. 20
Arkansas House District 28 — Republican David McCoy and Democrat Barbara Nix, both of Benton. Nix defeated state Rep. Lamont Cornwell, D-Benton, in the May primary. McCoy was unopposed in the primary.
Arkansas House District 29 — Republican Ann Clemmer of Salem and Democrat Scott Smith of Bryant. Both won primary races. Clemmer avoided a runoff by defeating two opponents.
Circuit Court Division 4 — Robert Herzfeld and Paul White, both of Benton. This is a nonpartisan position. This race is a runoff extending from the primary. Division 4 was created by the Legislature to help ease the case load in the 22nd Judicial District.
Saline County Sheriff — Democrat Bruce Pennington and Republican James Ward. Pennington was unopposed in the primary. Ward posted a comfortable victory.
TUESDAY, OCT. 21
Benton City Council
Ward 1, Position 2 — Alderman Greg White and Steve Brown.
Ward 4, Position 1 — Alderman Brad Moore and Warren Burleson.
Ward 5, Position 2 — Alderman Doug Stracener and Scott Hunter.
Bryant City Council
Ward 1, Position 1 — Alderman Rick Meyer and Scott Curtis.
Ward 1, Position 2 — Alderman Danny Steele and Jim Blaydes.
Ward 2, Position 1 — Alderman Steve Glenn and Ed Collins.
Ward 2, Position 2 — Alderman Chris Tipton and Heath Edens.
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Razorbacks
