The forum was jokingly called “boring,” by Democratic candidate Paul Green, due to the lack of disagreements.
“I think all of us want what's best for Evansville,” he said during a rebuttal period devoid of rebuttals. “This has got to be probably the most boring election I've ever seen in the city. And I'm glad for that, believe me.”
They followed the Indiana Debate Commission format. Each candidate introduced themselves after which there was time to rebut prior comments.
Green, like the rest, didn’t really hear anything he disagreed with. He was followed by Republican Ed Bassmier
“Pretty well, I have to echo what Mr. Green said …”
Candidates were asked one actual question — how they would handle hate speech in the community — a subject they unanimously decried. Following that question there were closing statements.
Below is the full forum recording, introduced and ended by Evansville Rotary Club Program Moderator Randy Wheeler
Any city resident has the chance to vote for three of the six council member at-large candidates. Council members at-large don’t serve a specific ward, but residents overall.
For republicans there is Ed Bassmier, incumbents Ron Beane and Jonathan Weaver. Democrats have Mary Allen, Courtney Johnson and Paul Green. Incumbent Ron Beane was absent for medical reasons. Beane invites questions at his email — rkbeane@gmail.com.
Current Rotary Club President Philip Hooper said the resumes of the candidates supplied the biggest differences between them, not necessarily policy positions.
“…differences in their backgrounds,” he said. “But a lot of core concerns that relate to problems in our community that are difficult to solve with the available budget that we have, you know, several candidates mentioned that.”
Concerns include affordable housing, street and parks maintenance and retaining jobs and talent.
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