MANSFIELD — The 2019 Mansfield Mayoral Debate doesn’t start until tonight at 6:30. And I am already proud of my city.
About 1,000 of you will brave the cool October air, walk into the historic Renaissance Theatre this evening, take your seats and prove democracy and civic pride are alive and well in Mansfield.
Two men — incumbent Republican Mayor Tim Theaker and Democratic challenger Don Bryant, an at-large member of Mansfield City Council — will stand together on the stage for 90 minutes and answer questions about their visions of the city’s future.
Both men want a better Mansfield. The debate, less than weeks before the Nov. 5 election, will offer both candidates ample opportunity to explain why they believe their path forward is better.
It’s not too late to get your tickets. Visit The Ren website and reserve your free seats now.
Even Mansfield residents not in attendance tonight have participated, sharing questions and concerns through the Open Source section of our website.
You came to our unique, six-week Talk the Vote “listening tour” that visited all six wards in the city, telling us what you wanted to hear mayoral and council candidates talk about as they campaign for your votes.
We asked questions. You answered. You asked questions. We took notes. Your questions and concerns will drive tonight’s debate. Experienced journalists will give voice to the questions, but it’s the citizens of Mansfield who posed them first.
We will also use your questions, comments and concerns to create a Citizens’ Agenda. We will publish your agenda on Nov. 6 and ensure those victorious on Election Day receive copies and understand what you expect of them.
For the last couple of months, a group of local organizations has planned tonight’s debate.
Representatives from Richland Source, the Renaissance Theater, iHeart Media, DRM Productions, the North End Community Improvement Collaborative, the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, and Richland Young Professionals have had many meetings to plan tonight’s event.
None of these groups are making money off of this debate. On the contrary, these groups have donated time, talent and treasure to make this evening happen.
We had one simple goal in mind — provide a forum in which these candidates will stand together before you and explain to you how they intend to make Mansfield an even better place.
This is an important moment in the city’s history. The forward momentum in this community is palpable. Things are moving in the right direction here for a variety of reasons. Those who hold elected office in our city will be crucial to growing that momentum and fostering it into something even brighter.
We hope tonight’s debate, along with comprehensive pre-election coverage by Richland Source of all contested local races and issues, helps lead the way to a more informed decision by voters on Nov. 5. But this year’s election is not the end of the campaign for a better Mansfield.
Thanks to your interest, concerns and ambitions for a better life, it’s only the beginning. And that makes me proud.
(Richland Source City Editor Carl Hunnell began his career in journalism 40 years ago, coming to Mansfield as a reporter almost 30 years ago).
