Candidate forum invites questions from voters

Have you ever wished you could question political candidates in a public forum?

Office seekers in Monday’s multi-media forum presented by Main Street Media, Ben Lomand Connect and 91.3 WCPI Public Radio will face questioning directly from the voters, organizers said of the event in the Magnolia Room and county commission chambers at the Warren County Administration Building at 201 Locust Street.

Organizers will be welcoming written questions, typed or printed legibly, in sealed, unmarked envelopes to be turned in at Main Street Media at the corner of Colville and High streets, not later than 3 p.m. Monday.

The debate moderator, Dr. John R. Vile of Middle Tennessee State University, will open the envelopes in seclusion and review them for inclusion in the Q&A rounds for Tennessee governor, US Senator, 4^th District U.S. House of Representatives and 43^rd District Tennessee House of Representatives.

“To be considered for inclusion in the forum the questions should address general issues in public policy, legislation, governance and elections,” Boyd Ramsey, president and general manager of McMinnville Public Radio 91.3-WCPI said. “Defamatory statements and personal attacks are not suitable for this phase of the forum.”

While the format for the event has not been finalized, it is expected there will be limited time for cross-debate when the candidates question each other, the organizers say.

In an early draft of the agenda, the state and federal candidates will be featured in the first block of the program with on-air time of 6:30 p.m. The second block will be devoted to the five hopefuls for three seats on the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

The event is open to the public without admission charge, but those planning to attend should be aware that seating is limited. Visitors are free to wear campaign T-shirts or other marks of support for their favored candidates, but no political signs may be fastened or taped to walls or doors in the administration building.

Live coverage of the forum and debate will be available on BLTV Community Channel 6, WBMC (AM 960 and FM 97.7), McMinnville Public Radio 91.3-WCPI and streamed online through Main Street Media’s YouTube page and the Main Street Journal Facebook page.

Professor Vile, the debate moderator, serves as dean of MTSU’s acclaimed University Honors College. The author or co-author of scores of books and articles on American and U.S. Constitutional history, he is the most-often re-invited speaker at The Rotary Club of McMinnville, where he has brought historical moments and currents to life thanks to his deep scholarship and captivating presentation.

“Warren County is very fortunate to enjoy the services of Dr. Vile as our moderator,” Ramsey said. “He is a widely respected scholar. That much is obvious. But his stature, integrity and expertise lend an extra dimension of substance and credibility to this voter-education experience.

“Dr Vile’s participation in the debate is just one more example of how MTSU serves not only its students but also the community and the nation.”