(ETA: Hey, does anyone remember when Michael Nutter suggested that we organize weekly debates -- to expand the chances to see the candidates and hear their positions? -- Wendy)
Hearkening back to a more civil time when Jefferson and Adams debated their disputes via the mail, Dwight Evans responded to Chaka Fattah's debate challenge with the following letter:
Thank you for your February 28th letter proposing a limit of four debates as we pursue the Democratic nomination for Mayor. I agree with your premise that we owe it to our citizens to provide the most informed, substantive and detailed dialogue and conversation about how to solve the challenges facing us. I do not agree, however, that we should limit ourselves to just the four debates you listed.
I plan on attending every forum, every candidate’s night, and every gathering that my schedule permits. I also intend to attend the four debates you listed, but I believe that we should not limit ourselves to just these debates. I believe we owe more than that to the citizens of Philadelphia, just as I believe that this city is best served by a free and open exchange of our ideas in as many and in as varied of settings as possible. The challenges facing this city are too significant for us to arbitrarily limit ourselves to the four debates you suggested.
In the spirit of democracy and civic engagement that I trust you share, I hope that you will join me in as many debates, forums, and exchanges as possible. Thank you again for your letter, and I look forward to your response.
We'll be keeping an eye on where this goes...
Comments (1)
The more exposure the candidates get, the better. More of these forums and debates should also be getting televised. Maybe the stations can also run some short PSAs beforehand, telling people when to tune in.
Posted by Dave![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blogs.phillynews.com/dailynews/nextmayor/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 28, 2007 7:38 PM