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November 08, 2005
Debate took months to plan
The mayoral debate between incumbent Randy Kelly and contender Chris Coleman last week lasted just over an hour’s time, but the event required months of preparation and careful planning. HUSC president Shanelle Evens organized the event.
“The hardest part was the initial getting in contact and getting people to take me seriously,” Evens said.
Mayoral candidates receive frequent requests to hold debates at various places. Evens had to send several e-mails and make many phone calls in order to convince the campaigns that she was serious about hosting a debate at Hamline. Once the candidates realized Evens was legitimate in her requests, they agreed to participate. It is not unusual for candidates to deny requests. When asked why he agreed to debate at Hamline, Kelly said, “Hamline University is our city’s oldest university and has certainly made a positive difference in our city during its 150 years.”
The idea to hold a debate at Hamline came to Evens this past summer. The first thing she had to do was contact the candidates’ communication directors. From there, she had to find a date and time that was convenient for both candidates. Plans were finalized by early October. Then announcements were made.
MPIRG assisted in promoting the event. According to Sarah Ditty, MPIRG’s organizing intern, they put up posters, sent out e-mails, and chalked the sidewalks. “I just want a lot of students to go,” Ditty said.
Evens said she hopes that the debate will motivate students to go out and vote, as she strongly believes in the importance of voting, “especially in local elections.” Evens also believes that by holding the event at Hamline, students will pay more attention to the election and be more likely to go to the polls on election day. “Hopefully it will ring a bell to go out and vote,” Evens said.
Posted by msveum at November 8, 2005 11:56 AM
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