Decision 2010: A Town Hall Meeting
10/19/2010
Gov. Gary Herbert and Mayor Peter Corroon will speak and answer questions in a town hall meeting hosted by the University of Utah Forensics (speech and debate team) and the department of communication, partnered with KSL 5 Television, KSL NewsRadio 102.7FM and 1160AM and KSL.com.
The event, “Decision 2010,” is scheduled on the University of Utah campus at Libby Gardner Concert Hall, on Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.; no seating after 5:50 p.m.).
The first hour of debate will be broadcast live on KSL 5 Television, and the second hour will be streamed live on KSL.com. The event will address several topics, including education, Utah’s economy, immigration, and ethics reform. The event will include questions from the public.
“The average person only encounters public officials through T.V. ads and yard signs,” says Co-Director of Forensics Nicholas Russell. “That’s not enough to make a good decision on Nov. 2. This event allows the public an opportunity to engage in an extended discussion with the candidates.”
In recent years, the team’s co-directors, Michael Middleton and Nicholas Russell, have created regular forums for public debate and discussion that engage issues of importance to the University campus and Utah in general.
Last academic year the University of Utah Forensics team hosted two events focused on including the public’s voice in issues important to Utahns.
The first was held during the disagreements that happened after SB 81 was passed. The topic was immigration reform, which featured former director of the Utah State Office of Hispanic Affairs, Tony Yapias, republican Representative Chris Herrod of District 62, and others.
The second event was held in April 2010 during the depleted uranium controversy. The event was aimed at addressing public concerns about depleted uranium disposal in Utah. The speakers included Energy Solutions Senior Vice President Tom Magette, HEAL Utah’s Policy Director Christopher Thomas and others.
“Utah Forensics and our partners are proud to host these events that provide forums for public dialogue,” says Middleton. “Events like these improve the quality of public discourse about pressing social concerns in Utah.”
Individuals wishing to make their voice heard can submit their questions for review prior to the day of the town hall meeting by emailing forensics@utah.edu, or by submitting questions in person on the day of the event up to 45 minutes before the broadcast begins. Questions should be stated in 1-2 sentences and include the submitter’s name and city of residence. Questions will be selected in an effort to represent the most diverse range of perspectives available.
For more information about the upcoming gubernatorial town hall meeting, contact Co-Director of Forensics Michael Middleton at m.middleton@utah.edu.
Watch the debate here (Archival footage provided by KSL 5 TV).