What is a debate? A debate is a formal discussion, typically between two or more people, where opposing parties express their opinion on a subject.
At the beginning of 2024, I started thinking about how I could contribute to the upcoming election. As an unaffiliated voter in our upcoming election, I want to do more than cast my ballot. I want to inform the public in an unbiased manner, share ideas and brainstorm about the future of our county and region.
I joined a group of publications that are working to make sure you, the voters, are getting great information to base your decisions on.
Then I decided to take it a step further. On April 10, 2024, I proposed I would organize a debate. I shared this information with Gilpin County Commissioner Marie Mornis. I also said I would be happy to organize a few roundtable discussions, after a debate, so all parties could share their thoughts on the future of Gilpin County. At that time Mornis said she was interested in the idea. She was with her campaign manager Kathleen Balfour at a City of Black Hawk meeting.
A week later, I moved forward and contacted the Gilpin Library to find a date that would work to use the space at the library. I was aiming for the end of May, after graduations were completed. I solidified a date of May 30, 2024, from 5:30-7 p.m. and sent off the information to both candidates who had said they were interested in participating in a debate.
The response received by Jessica Kays was very positive and she indicated she would participate in the debate. Marie Mornis replied that she was organizing a debate on her own, with the Republican party, at the next Republican meeting. While bummed about the response, I again offered the same information.
Here is the crux of my email:
Good morning Marie and Jessica,
I have been working to put together a date and time for a District 1 debate. I am tentatively planning this for May 30 from 5:30-7 p.m.
I believe the debate should be organized and moderated by a private unaffiliated resident so that the questions represent the entire community.
I would solicit questions and organize them into a debate format. You would receive the topics 24 hours ahead of time.
I believe 60 minutes would be enough time for a debate, then 30 minutes for a meet & greet. I propose the Gilpin Library meeting room.
I would invite the WRC to cover the debate, as well as The Mountain-Ear reporter. Both will also be invited to the Candidate Forum/ Meet & Greet. No dates have been decided yet for the Candidate Forum/ Meet & Greet.
Please let me know so I can confirm the date and time with the library.
Thanks,
Barb
A lot of back and forth happened and I have dozens of emails from both candidates and from other community members. Regardless, my above offer stands, but I won’t move forward without hearing from both candidates by Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m. (call my personal cell at 303-881-0365 or email info@themountainear.com).
I’m also organizing a Community Candidates Forum for September 28, 2024. That will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gilpin County Courthouse. All are welcome to attend.
I’ve invited the Weekly Register-Call to participate at both events, of course.
As always, The Mountain-Ear is YOUR community source for news, covering the entire Peak to Peak region from Allenspark to Central City, with all of the communities and canyons in between. Reach us anytime at info@themountainear.com or 303-810-5409. And hey, scan that QR above and share your thoughts on what is important about the upcoming election.
