Thursday's Candidate Forum

As a reminder, there's a St. Cloud City Council candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters this Thursday - 7pm @ City Hall.  I'd like to briefly lay out what I hope to accomplish at it:

1. Why I'm running for City Council
2. What the big issues will be as we move forward
3. Differences between candidates
4. A discussion on the future of St. Cloud

These types of forums are crucial in order for the voters to get a better idea of where a candidate stands and in gaining an understanding of each candidate's points of view.  This is something that reading a newspaper article or blog does not allow for.  This particular forum is audience-based meaning the audience drives it with their questions. I fully expect questions about crime / public safety, rental properties, property values, parks / trails, economic development, and job creation.  There will probably be questions that I haven't thought about before or may not have much knowledge of.

I should note that while I have experience in public speaking, I haven't participated in a debate like this before.  This makes me both nervous and excited.  It has also led me to spend a rather significant amount of time preparing.  (Coincidentally, this same preparation is essential as a city council member if elected.) 

I plan on posting the questions that are asked on this blog afterwards along with my answer (if I recall it verbatim) and my opponent's answers.  I will also use it as an opportunity to better explain my answers, if needed.

Also the St. Cloud Times is conducting an endorsement interview / forum the following week that is supposed to be recorded and available on their website at some point.  I look forward to that event as well.

That's it for now!