KAIT-TV, Talk Business & Politics partner on Jonesboro mayoral debate
by August 29, 2016 5:04 pm 288 views
Talk Business & Politics Publisher and CEO Roby Brock will moderate an Oct. 11 debate between seven Jonesboro mayoral candidates. The debate, managed by KAIT-TV in Jonesboro, will be broadcast live from the Jonesboro High School Center for Performing Arts.
The debate time is 6 to 7 p.m. and comes just 28 days before the November general election.
Incumbent, two-term Mayor Harold Perrin has six challengers who hope to unseat him later this fall. Those challengers are Nathan Coleman, Harold Copenhaver, Amanda Dunavant, Tom Elwood, Gregg Stillwell, and John Street.
“We are proud to present a truly unbiased debate where each candidate can present their plans on a level playing field,” said KAIT-TV Vice-President and General Manager Chris Conroy.
Police pay, street congestion, economic development, a proposed aquatic center, the construction of two convention centers, and other issues are among the topics likely to be discussed during the debate. Brock said he is happy to be involved in the debate for a mayoral race in one of Arkansas’ fastest growing cities.
“I’m honored to be participating in this forum, which is so pivotal to Jonesboro’s future. This city and leadership for the region is something the entire state will be watching,” Brock said.
The candidates’ ideas on how to tackle the many problems facing the city will give voters real insights, Brock said. The mayor and the other candidates bring differing and broad experiences to the process, he added.
“To help facilitate our candidates’ thoughts on how they will advance Jonesboro is a role I take seriously,” Brock said. “And, I hope citizens are better educated and informed as a result of this debate.”
The debate will be broadcast live on KAIT 8.1 (ABC) and OAIT 8.2 (NBC). It will be streamed on kait.com and on the Region 8 News mobile app. KAIT-TV news director Josh White hopes city residents will take advantage of the unique opportunity to vet these candidates before making a decision in the voting booth.
“The citizens of Jonesboro now have the ability to hear from all candidates, and ultimately the next person that will run the city, in a neutral setting,” he said.