Final Face-Off in Mayoral and City Council Debate

Published: October 23, 2013 | Read Time: 3 minutes

With only one available opening for Cedar City mayor, two candidates are aiming their fire at one of the final mayoral debates on Thursday, October 24, just a few weeks before Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. 

Hosted by the Southern Utah University Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Ballroom from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the event will run as a traditional debate beginning with statements by candidates and then following with questions.

Along with the mayoral debate, the final four contenders for the Cedar City Council will make an appearance from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. and then the mayoral candidates will proceed from 7:40 to 8:30 p.m.

All topics, foreign and domestic, are on the table and no issue will be out of bounds. This debate, combined with an intimate setting, affords voters a terrific opportunity to interface directly with the candidates and get answers to the questions they care about most. 

“These are the people that will make a direct impact on the community,” stated Eric Kirby, executive director of the Leavitt Center. “Everyone looks great on paper and posters, but in a debate you see who can think on their feet and who you, the voter, believes is the best fit for the office.”

Speaking specifically of the great opportunity for students within the Thursday debate, Kirby believes it will not only help them make better voting decisions but also enlighten their understanding of current issues and the importance of their participation in the political process.

He added, “It truly does behoove students, as well as community members, to attend this debate so they can vote intelligently and recognize the issues that live in this community.”

Kirby stated that at the last debate hosted on SUU’s campus more than 300 people attended, so ensure to come early to find a seat and to submit your questions.

The Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service, located in the Sharwan Smith Center, provides an important service on campus as a hub for leadership opportunities, citizenship education, public and humanitarian service, and public policy research.

The Leavitt Center is a non-partisan, interdisciplinary organization dedicated to preparing students to serve as responsible and educated leaders in a democratic society. It currently has six students serving internships at the State Senate, a number that doubled this semester. Interested campus and local community members may keep up with the Center's activities and current political conversations on the Leavitt Center Blog.

City Council and Mayoral candidates have submitted the following statements:

John Black (Mayor) — “I've been blessed with great work experience and great personal life experiences that have provided me background, maturity and wisdom needed to fill this most important position of mayor and represent all of Cedar City. For me it's about service and no other personal agenda.”

Maile Wilson (Mayor) — Did not submit statement.

Ron Adams (City Council) — Did not submit statement.

Scott Jolley (City Council) — “I would like to see us as a community supporting the efforts of economic development and the growth of jobs with livable wages. We need to continue to provide a great quality of life while maintaining ample opportunities for our citizens to advance their careers.”

Fred Rowley (City Council) — “I'd like to use my six years' past experience as a mayor and city councilor to keep Cedar City clean, safe and stable—a place for young people to raise their families with the benefit of a decent income.”

Dutch Workman (City Council) — "Cedar City will grow, and with smart, insightful, careful planning we can guide that growth by providing better jobs for locals while preserving the lifestyle that attracts so many here. SUU student votes can determine the future of Cedar City."

---

Contact Information:

435-586-5400
Contact the Office of Marketing Communication