The Great Debate Slated for March 31 – Arcadia City Council Candidates to Face Some Tough Questions

Arcadia High Constitution Team members listen to Arcadia Managing Editor John Stephens on Tuesday morning

Front to back: Ruodi Duan, Andrew Chang, Robel Abdella

On Tuesday members of the Arcadia Weekly editorial staff including Editor John Stephens, Photographer Terry Miller and Principal Writer Susan Motander met with Arcadia High School teacher Kevin Fox and his championship Constitution Team to plan a debate for the city council candidates slated for Wednesday, March 31at 7:00 p.m. at the Santa Anita Inn.
“Last night I attended the Candidate Forum in Sierra Madre, and let me tell you guys, it was every bit as boring as you can imagine,” said Stephens in jest to the class of 30 civic-minded students who laughed with surprise at the statement.

Joann Park
“My primary goal for this debate is to cut through the canned responses and campaign rhetoric and get to the heart of what these candidates really think about the issues facing Arcadia. If we can do that, this Debate will not only be a great success, but will garner the interest of all Arcadia’s residents in what is shaping up to be an extremely important election,” said Stephens.

Kevin Fox, Teacher
Following this initial meeting, the class is planning to meet with Arcadia Weekly staff again to gather, share and refine questions for the debate taken from reader submissions, classroom discussion and in response to what will be heard from the candidates at the Chamber of Commerce forum slated to be held eight days earlier on March 23 at the Arcadia Woman’s Club.

Kiko Sunata
While the exact format of the debate is still being discussed, it has been decided that students from the Constitution Team will moderate the debate, and when Mr. Fox asked for volunteers for the job, nearly every student enthusiastically raised their hand. The plan is to format a debate that draws on the skills the team has honed in their rigorous studies, training and competition.

Daphne Fan
Following their February 5th victory at the state finals in Sacramento, the AHS “Gov.” Team is now headed for Washington D.C. in April to compete in the national finals. But such a trip is not an easy one to make. With the team needing to raise upwards of $50,000 to fund their quest for the national title, the March 31 debate will serve not only as a public hearing of the six candidates vying for three seats on the city council, but also as a fundraiser of the team’s upcoming trip. Donations will be accepted at the door and throughout the night from any and all members of the community who may wish to support the team and thank them for their efforts in helping shape the political future of Arcadia.

Students listen as their classmates discuss the upcoming debate

Jennifer Hang

Readers wishing to submit questions for the candidates should email them to editor@aracdiaweekly.com as soon as possible so that they may be considered by the students and staff for inclusion in the event. Stay tuned for more developments as the great debate takes shape.

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