Last night, I covered a debate for the Athens City Council 4th Ward seat for The Post and, as with previous debates, I was amazed by the great questions posed and the willingness of the candidates to answer questions openly.
Democrat Christine Fahl and Republican Randy Morris debated council’s use of money, recreation and arts and university relations… but if you want to know more about that, just read my story in The Post. What I love about these debates is it addresses questions that the current candidate may not being thinking about. A good healthy debate can offer new ideas and fresh perspective, regardless of who wins. Also, debates force current candidates to step out of their warm, fuzzy comfort zone and defend their decisions, beliefs and accomplishments.
Last night’s debate never got too intense. I think when people think of debates they revert back to famous debates in history with fist pounding, mud slinging, name calling and fierce opposition. The 4th Ward of Athens City Council may not bring quite as much disagreement. Fahl and Morris had opening statements, took questions from the media, audience questions and had closing statements and throughout the entire process I found that their goals were not that dissimilar.
Sure, they had some different opinions on what needed to be done with arts and recreation and how council should deal with financial issues; however, it became abundantly clear that they are both looking out for the best interest of the residents and students of Athens. If any argument resonated, it was Morris’ promise to ask more questions about ordinances being passed. He said his questions and persuasions will help the conversation and the worst it can do is make the final vote 6-1 instead of 7-0. After a year of covering city council, I can see how adding additional conversation can help the cause and flesh out different ideas and if no one agrees with Morris, then the worst that happens is majority rules and his ideas don’t happen.
This may mean longer council sessions, but more thorough code and ordinances for Athens.
The 4th ward does not need someone whose only function is to “ask questions” and then have a 6-1 vote. Talk about ineffectual. As you should have noticed if you have covered council for a year Morris has had plenty of time to ask questions during council…but has not (though many other citizens have taken the time to).
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