This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Over the weekend, topics were announced for the Longmont Observer's 2019 City Council and Mayoral Debates. The topics were shared with all candidates simultaneously exactly as they are presented here -- specific questions were not shared with the candidates.
Moderator Shakeel Dalal informed candidates that based on topic and question submissions from Longmont residents, the following would be addressed at the debate:
1. Urban/city planning policy preferences
2. New development & growth of the City of Longmont
3. Cost of Living, including cost of housing
4. Homelessness
5. Pool & Ice Center
6. Environment
7. Federal immigration policy and the impact on Longmont
The topics at each of the four debates are expected to be the same unless a significant event takes place. The moderator informed candidates that the exact questions may vary from week to week and that they should expect more than one question per topic at each debate.
The moderator also informed candidates of the rules for two-person debates, which will follow the format of previous Observer City Council and Congressional debates. This format will apply to the Ward III debate and the mayoral debate:
- Start with an opening statement from each candidate, limited to no more than 2 minutes each. Order will be determined by a coinflip (Candidate A will go first).
- A question will be asked of candidate A. They will be given 2 minutes to respond.
- The same question will be asked of candidate B. They will be given 2 minutes to respond.
- A rebuttal will be allowed by candidate A not to exceed 2 minutes.
- Candidate B will be given no more than 1 minute for rebuttal.
- Candidate B will then receive the next question first.
- Closing statements will be 2 minutes long.
- The moderator will interrupt any candidate who is exceeding their allotted speaking time. There will be a timer visible to each candidate so they know how much time they have remaining.
- In the event that a candidate evades a question, or answers a different question, the moderator is empowered to press the candidate for an answer.
- Audience noise, clapping etc will not be permitted during debates except during neutral periods (e.g. welcoming the candidates on stage) nor will signs or displays of any kind.
The first 'debate' for Ward I held on September 7th at the Renaissance Room at La Vita Bella will actually follow a Town Hall format as Councilman Tim Waters is standing for reelection unopposed. Rules were not announced for the At-Large Debate, for which four candidates are set to appear on the ballot.
