It’s debate season, Humboldt: time to watch aspiring public representatives engage in oratorical pugilism, duking it out with only their wits, ideologies and civic know-how.
At the national level we’ve reached a lull. A winner emerged from the Republican’s circular insult-athon, while Bernie and Hillary last squabbled almost a month ago. But they say all politics is local, and that’s especially true with, y’know, local representatives. And if you live in or around Arcata, Blue Lake, Freshwater, Kneeland or Manila, have we got a debate for you.
On Tuesday, your Lost Coast Outpost will co-host (with the Mad River Union) a debate between environmental engineer/Harbor Commissioner Mike Wilson and farrier/horse trails advocate Uri Driscoll. Both men are pursuing the Third District Humboldt County Supervisor seat being vacated by Mark Lovelace.
Wilson and Driscoll met last week for a KEET TV debate moderated by the League of Women Voters (you can watch it below), and on Tuesday night they’ll meet again for The Thrilla in Manila (Humboldt edition). During the one-hour debate the two will have the opportunity to refine their positions on such pressing local issues as homelessness, infrastructure, the never-ending general plan, looming marijuana legalization, port/bay development and the degree to which the east-west rail is delusional pipe dream, among other topic.
And here’s the twist: Unlike the KEET/LWV debate, this showdown will allow the candidates to ask questions of each other. Before we get there, though, we’d like to know what you — readers, residents, constituents — would ask of the candidates. Submit your suggestions in the comments below.
Here’s a press release written up by the MRU’s Jack Durham telling you about the who-when-wheres:
Humboldt County’s preeminent news sources – the Lost Coast Outpost, KHUM and the Mad River Union – have teamed up to sponsor a debate between the two candidates running for Third District Supervisor.
Mike Wilson and Uri Driscoll will face off on Tuesday, May 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Manila Community Center, 1611 Peninsula Dr. in Manila.
The candidates are running for the supervisor seat now held by Mark Lovelace, who is not seeking re-election on June 7.
The public is encouraged to attend the one-hour debate, during which candidates will answer questions from the moderators, members of the public and even each other.
The Third District includes the communities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Freshwater, Kneeland and Manila.
Radio station KHUM (104.3 & 104.7 FM) will record the debate for a later broadcast.
For more information, contact the Mad River Union at (707) 826-7000 or editor@madriverunion.com.
Here’s the KEET debate between Wilson and Driscoll:
And while we’re at it, here’s KEET’s Second District debate between incumbent Estelle Fennell and challenger Glen “Bud” Rogers: