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Since 1994, I have been the moderator of political debates and forums in three states, both primary and general elections, with live audiences and without, aired live on radio or television or neither. The one thing that hasn’t changed over these last 32 years is voters still desperately need to hear candidates for elected office answer questions as well as spend time with them one on one.
Thankfully, Cherokee County residents will have opportunities to do just that come February.
The Cherokee County Republican Party, in partnership with the Cherokee Scout and Local TV 4, is hosting two nights of political forums at the Cherokee County Courthouse in downtown Murphy for all races on the March 3 primary ballot. This is exactly the kind of thing the party, local newspaper and television station should partner on to ensure the broadest election coverage possible.
Here’s the lineup:
- 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 – Candidates for the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, clerk of court and register of deeds. I will be the moderator of these forums, so email questions to me at dbrown@cherokeescout.com.
- 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 – Candidates for the Cherokee County Board of Education and sheriff. Ralph Robinson of TV4 will be the moderator of these forums, so email questions to him at ralphbrobinson@gmail.com.
There is no cost to attend, of course, as all of us involved are happy to present the political forums as a community service. If you can’t make it in person, TV4 will air the forums afterward so you can become a more informed voter.
In addition, please remember that all of the questions asked must apply to every candidate in each specific race. In other words, a question cannot be aimed at one candidate and not the others.
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The forums will follow the same basic structure as previous ones – after introducing themselves with a short opening statement, each candidate will be asked the same questions, taking turns who answers first. After answering several questions, each candidate will wrap up their thoughts with a closing statement. While no candidate will receive the questions in advance, they are allowed to bring notes with them to the forums.
The forums are intended to promote transparency, civic engagement and informed decision-making for Cherokee County voters, a noble goal in our republic. In addition, the Scout plans on hosting political forums before the Nov. 3 general election since there are multiple Democrats in local races, plus a couple of independents are collecting signatures in an attempt to get on the ballot.
After you attend the forums, the Republican Party has scheduled three candidate meet-and-greet events across the county, giving voters a chance to connect with them in a relaxed, community-focused setting and ask questions.
Here’s that lineup:
- Monday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m. – P.B. Ferebee Community Center, 535 Main St. in Andrews.
- Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Murphy Public Library, 9 Blumenthal St. downtown.
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m. – Hiwassee Dam Fire Department, 80 Line Drive off N.C. 294.
Community members are encouraged to attend. Thanks to everyone who is helping organize these important events.
Boxes? Paper? We got ’em
As a result of more people reading the Scout online, we have several old newspaper boxes that could use a new home. Some folks use them to distribute items in their community, like books or food; others use them at home as a safe place to get packages by mail.
In addition, we have had several large rolls of newsprint weighing about 900 pounds each sitting in our old press plant for more than 25 years that, if stretched out, could nearly reach from downtown Murphy to the Hot Spot in Ranger.
If one or more of these things seems like something you could use, give me a call and we’ll try to make it happen. Recycling always beats the landfill.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. Call him at 828-837-5122 or email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.