This Season, Themed Mayoral Debates

By Robert Wilonsky Thu., Mar. 10 2011 at 9:00 AM

Sam Merten

Natinsky, Rawlings and Kunkle at their first "forum" way back on February 25

In the last 24 hours, press releases have piled up in the in-box announcing three very different mayoral debates featuring ex-Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle, current city council member Ron Natinsky and former "homeless czar" and Park Board president Mike Rawlings.

One's traditional: On April 19 at 7 p.m., KTXA-Channel 21 will broadcast a debate from SMU's Hughes-Trigg Theater, which will be moderated by Channel 11 anchor Doug Dunbar. It's a standard one-hour showdown, which is being co-sponsored by The Daily Campus.

But that release was followed by another invite to a far more specific debate that will take place next Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the the North Texas Food Bank on 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Road. Its subject, per the release: "Nonprofit representatives and NTFB Member Agency clients struggling to make ends meet will be able to ask questions and listen to candidates' prepared remarks about hunger, poverty, nutrition, education and other related issues."

Then, last night, came this announcement for a debate to be held at the Nasher Sculpture Center on April 20 at 5:30 p.m.: "Hear the Candidates' views on the role of the Arts in Dallas." This one's sponsored by the Dallas Area Cultural Advocacy Coalition, Downtown Dallas Inc. and Dallas Arts District, and all are welcome so long as you e-mail your RSVP to this address. Perhaps these kinds of nitty and gritty debates have taken place in past years; doesn't ring a bell, but I've got tinnitus. Still -- who else needs to hold their airing of grievances while the Holy Trinity dances 'round the Festivus pole? Speak up now. You. Kruger.

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SMU Student

The debate is being sponsored by The Daily Campus and co-sponsored by KTVT/KTXA.

Joanne R

Could we get a debate put on by the Dallas Observer?

I'd even pay to attend such a debate. One where Wilonsky, Merten and unfortunately, even, Schutze (LOL) were asking the questions and demanding the candidates answer the question instead of evading or they would be penalized by not being able to make a closing stump speech or something like that.

And, could we hold the event inside a bar so more people would attend.

Robert Wilonsky

We have discussed such a thing. But only if I can drink and smoke throughout, and Jim can wear his tin-foil hat. And the candidates address me as "Admiral Kirk."

Tom L (No, Not That L)

Forget Kirk, Admiral Akbar would be better. That way every time Schutze asks a question you can yell, "it's a trap!"

Joanne R

As long as I can drink and smoke (whatever) and wear my pj's....i don't care what YOU do and wear. And, I realized years ago, nobody, and I do mean nobody, can tell Schutze what to do, say or wear.

Oak Cliff Res

In tough times, we need the tough answers. Everyone always complains that during the campaign trails the candidates always give a load of crap and when they get into office, they always go down roads never discussed. This is why... Traditional debates are always BS generic questions with generic answers. It's time for results and they start here!

Asking

Thanks for the headsup Snooke Pie

Paige Phelps

Robert- If folks who'd like to attend the North Texas Food Bank's forum could RSVP to paigep [AT} ntfb.org, we'd really appreciate it! Thank you for this post!

What's in it for me

Why? Why do I have to REGISTER or RSVP if I want to attend the forum?What, specifically is your reason to force me to pre-register, pre RSVP? I mean, seriously, are you actually expecting hundreds of people to try to attend this thing. It's being held on a Wednesday, at 9:30 in the morning. So, I'm really curious what your ulterior motives are.

Paigep

The Food Bank only has 150 chairs and we'd like to be able to plan accordingly. It's just a courtesy; you certainly don't have to! We'd love to have any one who'd like to stop by!

Snookie Pie

Do not go register to attend the Dallas Arts debate. The group holding this is also connected to Citizens Council and therefore they are making you "register" so they will capture email addresses to give to Rawlings' campaign for eblasting. Any time you see "Downtown Dallas Inc." think "Citizens Council".

Robert Wilonsky

Oh, trust me. The Citizens Council already has your e-mail address. Ask Schutze. He'll tell ya.

Snookie Pie

you are so funny. i'm like laughing so hard, i spit up on my shirt. and, you are so correct. and, they probably know what color undies i put on this morning.

Jrhone5821

Here's another planned debate:

April 28th, 20117 - 8:30 pmNorthaven United Methodist Church Sanctuary11211 Preston Road (between Royal and Forest Lanes)

Presented by:

North Dallas Texas Democratic WomenFar North Dallas DemocratsPreston Hollow DemocratsNorth Texas Asian DemocratsLake Highlands Democrat

Joanne R

I believe the auditorium at the downtown library is large enough. I attended a large debate there re: strong mayor issue.

Joanne R

email your RSVP to this address

that link does not work.

Robert Wilonsky

Sorry about that. Fixed. Also, it's: mayoralrsvp@nashersculpturecenter.org

Sam_Merten

Also in the non-themed category, there's a debate at the Fairmont hotel on March 22 at 5 p.m. to be moderated by WFAA's Brad Watson and sponsored by The Real Estate Council.

Clyons

Where is Edward Opka in these debates

Tad Banyon

I wonder why there's no mention of the debate on April 27th at The Moister Oyster.The candidates will be debating the virtues of raw vs. Rockefeller.Open to anyone who shows up with a tiny fork and a bottle of cocktail sauce(Don't expect any pearls, either of-wisdom, or the other kind)