ANY CITIZEN can ask ANY CANDIDATE ANY QUESTION.

Hoo boy, THAT sounds like a recipe for disaster.

The first big forum I was involved in was during the Rogero/Haslam election. We took audience question, but had them written down on cards and submitted so we could screen out obnoxious ones.

And it was both amazing and disheartening how many of those there were. All kinds of nastiness and innuendo, directed at both candidates.

I would NEVER help hold a forum where people can ask questions right from the floor.

Never play cards with a man named Doc. Never eat at a place called Mom's. And never accept an invitation to a debate put on by an entity called "Concerned Citizens."

This is poorly planned, last-minute and will be attended by crackpots.

I dont see anything wrong with candidates taking questions..right from the floor..straight from the voters.

Matter of fact I wouldn't have opening statements or questions from the moderator..just go straight to questions from the crowd.

Television & N-S I bet will cover it.

The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.
Walt Whitman

Let the people speak.....

I received an email (2 actually) about this-the first email said it was on the 23rd, the 2nd email was 'clarifying' the 1st email, and now its been moved to the 30th? I question the legitimacy of such a poorly organized event. I am surprised any candidates would be able to attend on such short notice-especially 4 days before Election Day.

As for the digit-both Tim's were on Hal Hill, John Becker, and the League of Women Voters debate. There may have been others, but those I can think of off the top of my head.

And not one of them have complained about this or any other format where they can talk about their issues. And of course this is not near an official 'debate'.
But, hey, it's o.k.

The last 'forum' was not fair, either, since the Democratic Candidates were not asked the same questions as the Republicans. (Of course the moderators didn't dare ask the two "TIMs if they supported NEPOTISM!

But hey, our candidates are ready, willing, and have facts to show that they have what it takes to win...whatever the office!

Thanks for volunteering your time to this event, Elaine. I'll try to attend.

As to the event's format, though, I have some personal experience organizing forums of this sort, too, and I agree with Rachel and Betty that, unfortunately, it's necessary to screen attendees' questions for relevance and propriety. A moderator sure does help keep the conversation on point.

Also, when inviting so many candidates as at this event, it's necessary to ensure that all candidates attending get asked one or more questions. A moderator ensures that all candidates get to participate, too.

Provided the moderator is someone attendees will perceive as independent and fair-minded, I sure think you'll find the event works better with his/her help.

(Does the name "Concerned Citizens" relate to our history of local scandals starting with Black Wednesday and going forward, or does it relate to some other concern your group has, specific to the upcoming election? I wondered, too.)

Barbie Carringer just canceled at the last moment. Word is Burchett wanted a low turnout to hide his not showing so he has called around to tell people not to show. This guy is so much like Rags. Another gutless wonder.

Perhaps they've heard those rumors the organizer and her friends are spreading about Burchett and his family.

Play dumb, Nine. you do it so well.
Why aren't you at the "debate"?

Does ANY body on these forums like, respect, or hell, even listen to a thing this guy NumberNine says? I mean I feel like he's someone that the website pays just to antagonize everyone else in order to sell advertising based on webhits.

Unscreened/Unregulated forums are always setup for disasters. Years back, I was at a forum where they asked one of the candidates whether or not he liked women (by the way, this was a man who was long time married man with children, so it was completely ridiculous to begin with), but the forum was as much to blame as the question itself. Also, I was at a forum about ten years ago, where someone asked any incredibly racist comment that nearly caused the room to explode. (I failed to leave the names out, just in case some of you know the incidents I am talking about, I don't want to revisit the issue)

Nonetheless, I had an acquaintance who told me that the event at the expo center yesterday was not very well attended, as compared to city council forum moderated by hubert smith last year.

It is sad that so few voters are even interested in this mid-term, local election. It will decide who will be County Mayor to oversee the County Finances, programs AND budget. It will place folks on the NEW, smaller County Commission who will, in turn, VOTE on the Budget! Vote on how the PBA would operate. Vote on industrial parks! It will elect new members of the Knox County School Board who make decisions on hirings and firings, the SB Budget and more. And the County Trustee is responsible for collection of County Taxes, investments of same.

I suppose this County is just so tired of the last few years of perjury, embezzlement, lies, purchase cards scandals, no integrity, dishonor and term limits issues (that made the WSJ), that they will either stay home and not vote, or follow the practice of continuing to elect the good ole boys.

It is shameful that the numbers of registered voters in this County, over 300,000, can only turn out a fraction who actually vote. To vote in this country is an honor and a privilege. And those who refuse to vote have NO right to criticize any elected official, no matter how disreputable. I suggest that voters consider new candidates with proven leadership skills, integrity, and new ideas for positive change here. I urge folks to vote for positive change and do away with years of corrupt, arrogant government officials. It is time to be proud of our County government, not embarrassed by the 'on the take' pols we have elected again and again.