More on a possible debate
 

Late last month, we proposed that the two candidates for Midlothian supervisor debate each other...at least once. Our argument is that a debate informs the electorate - the people the candidates are actually serving. We believe if voters were polled about having a debate, undoubtedly they would want at least one.

Two business groups - the Chesterfield Business Council (CBC) and the Western Chesterfield Business Alliance (WCBA) - are trying to arrange a candidate's forum before a joint meeting of the two groups, most likely a breakfast meeting in mid-October. A forum is more candidate-friendly, often with some of the questions provided in advance.

Any format that advances the public's knowledge of the candidates' stand on the issues is good. So we hope that the CBC/ WCBA efforts are successful.

But we also hope Republican Don Sowder and Democrat Dan Gecker are discussing a debate - one in the evening that is open to the public in general, perhaps at Midlothian or James River high school. A side-by-side comparison with few ground rules and without knowing the questions in advance is even better. If the debate could be rebroadcast by Comcast, it could educate even more voters.

The Chesterfield Observer will soon ask about the status of these discussions for a debate. We think the voters of Midlothian district will want to know.