The Southern Utah Debate Commission and Dixie State University are partnering to host debates for the St. George City mayoral and city council races together in one event.
Set to take place on Oct. 12, the city council debate among candidates Greg Aldred, Vardell Curtis, Natalie Larsen and Michelle Tanner will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Following an intermission in which the public will have the opportunity to meet the candidates, the mayoral debate between candidates Jimmie Hughes and Michele Randall will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Local radio commentator Andy Griffin will moderate both debates.
“I am thrilled to see the commission host its first debate, and I am excited to see that the candidates for St. George mayor and city council are willing to participate,” Vince Brown, director of Dixie State’s Institute of Politics, said. “It should prove to be a very interesting night.”
The Southern Utah Debate Commission is a collaboration between local education, business, media and political leaders who are committed to an informed electorate. To help voters gain information and become knowledgeable about candidates, the commission serves as a central body that sponsors debates of local leaders each election cycle.
“The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the newly formed Southern Utah Debate Commission,” Don Willie, president and CEO of St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, said. “This commission fills an important gap in our community and creates a valuable platform for voters to learn where candidates stand on critical issues.”