Gadsden voters can see the remaining two mayoral candidates interacting on the same podium Thursday afternoon, discussing their respective positions on the issues and visions for the city.
Craig Ford and Heather Brothers New will be debating at 5:30 p.m. in Gadsden City High School’s auditorium, ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election to decide a successor for four-term Mayor Sherman Guyton.
Thursday’s debate is presented by the “Real Talk with Pastor Z. and Bishop T.” online talk show.
That show’s hosts, the Rev. Z. Andre Huff (Gadsden Board of Education member from District 3) and Bishop Tonya Latham (recently elected to the City Council from District 1), will ask the questions. The Rev. Steve Hoyt, a Gadsden native and former Birmingham City Council member, will serve as facilitator.
The debate will be streamed on Facebook Live on the “Real Talk” page, https://bit.ly/3eN77Mo; on the “Real Talk” YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3DDkUj9; and on The Gadsden Times’ website, www.gadsdentimes.com. (Organizers ask that no one in the audience broadcast the event without their permission, although the streaming links can be shared.)
Candidates will be asked questions in four categories: municipal budget, municipal diversity and equality, the economy and economic development and affordable housing and homelessness.
On the ballot:Craig Ford to face Heather New in Gadsden mayor runoff; 5 council seats also to be decided
The debate will be conducted much like presidential debates. A coin toss will decide which candidate leads off with an opening statement, although in football fashion the winner can defer.
Opening statements are limited to 2 minutes. The candidate who gives the initial opening statement will get the first opportunity to answer a question; it will go in reverse order for the balance of the debate.
Candidates will have 2 minutes to answer each question, then the opponent will get 2 minutes for a rebuttal. There will be open discussion afterward, with the first speaker then the opponent each getting a minute. There will be a 12-minute time limit on each question.
Closing statements once the categories and questions are completed also are limited to 2 minutes. The candidate who delivered the initial opening statement will offer the final closing statement.
