AnnArbor.com to webcast candidate debates for Ann Arbor City Council and school board, with live chats
Several local candidate debates are coming up next week, and you can watch and discuss them with other viewers here on AnnArbor.com.
We'll provide a live stream of the debates, courtesy of Community Television Network, along with a live chat so you can critique the candidates. This coverage will be linked prominently on the homepage of AnnArbor.com.
On Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. the six candidates vying for two contested spots on the Ann Arbor school board will face off in a forum hosted by the League of Women voters.
Incumbents Andy Thomas and Simone Lightfoot are running for re-election and facing opponents for the first time. Thomas and Lightfoot were both elected to 1-year terms in November 2010 after being named to the school board in May 2010 and December 2009, respectively.
Challenging Thomas and Lightfoot are Ahmar Iqbal, Lawrence Murphy, Patrick Leonard and Albert Howard.
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, candidates for the Ann Arbor City Council in four ward races will face off in a series of debates, also hosted by the League of Women voters. The schedule for those debates is:
- Ward 2, 7-7:30 p.m., Democratic incumbent Stephen Rapundalo vs. Independent challenger Jane Lumm
- Ward 3, 7:45-8:15 p.m., Democratic incumbent Stephen Kunselman vs. Republican challenger David Parker
- Ward 4, 8:30-9 p.m., Democratic incumbent Marcia Higgins vs. Republican challenger Eric Scheie
- Ward 5, 9:15-9:45 p.m., Democratic incumbent Mike Anglin vs. Republican challenger Stuart Berry
The debates will be taped inside CTN studios on South Industrial Highway, where limited seating for the public is available, but they will be aired live on Channel 19. All debates will be rebroadcast until the Nov. 8 election and will be available online on CTN Video on Demand.
Jen Eyer is director of audience engagement for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jeneyer@annarbor.com or (734) 623-2577.
Comments
Goober
Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
No need to watch any debate. I will not vote for any incumbent. Only new faces and voices to change the negative paths our city and school system is being taken by the current position holders. Vote no for incumbents!
Alan Goldsmith
Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
Would School Board Candidate Howard have to step down from his Ann Arbor position if he's elected President in 2012? Or would he plan on holding both at the same time: <a href="http://alberthoward.org/default.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://alberthoward.org/default.aspx</a> Lol.
Alan Goldsmith
Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
Hopefully the candidates won't be able to review the questions in advance like they have at some past debates.
Sparty
Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
I hope Eric and Jane win, bringing some additional sanity to the council along with Mike and Stephen K. Against the Mayors bloc.
Jen Eyer
Fri, Sep 30, 2011 : 6 p.m.
Hi Roadman: Yes, the audio will be good for this webcast. The feed is coming straight from CTN's cameras.
Roadman
Fri, Sep 30, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Please, please, please get you audio microphones in good working order so we do not have the problems that occurred in the August primary debates.