This election year, Indianapolis residents are concerned about a wide range of issues that could have an impact on the city for many years to come, from unemployment and crime, to education and taxes.
They will have a special opportunity to hear from the candidates for mayor this weekend.
Incumbent Mayor Greg Ballard and challenger Melina Kennedy will square off during a one-hour debate Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., on the campus of the University of Indianapolis.
The debate will be shown live on WTHR-TV (Channel 13), and is being presented jointly by the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, WTHR and the Indianapolis Star. WTHR’s John Stehr will serve as the moderator, and questions will be posed to the candidates from a panel that will include journalists from the Recorder, WTHR and the Star.
Several questions will also be presented from citizens who had submitted questions to WTHR.
Those who register for limited seating at the debate are asked to be seated by 7:30 p.m. To register for seating, visit www.wthr.com. Those who cannot attend are still encouraged to tune in and view the debate on television.
“We are really looking forward to having the candidates join us, and this is a chance for citizens to actually participate in a process that will determine which direction our city goes in,” said Theresa Ditton, director of planning and politics for WTHR. “People will be able to see the candidates first hand, and this will be a great opportunity for voters to use the information they receive to make an informed choice on Election Day.
Ballard, a Republican, is running for a second four-year term as mayor. Kennedy, a Democrat, is a former deputy mayor, attorney and small business owner.
A third candidate, Libertarian Chris Bowen, will not be part of the debate, but will appear on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 8.
