Gubernatorial forum coming to CMU in May
A non-partisan gubernatorial forum is scheduled to take place at Central Michigan University after spring classes finish.
The forum will be held for major candidates to discuss issues facing Michigan from 7 to 9 p.m. May 12 in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. It is open to the public.
“It’s always a nice opportunity for people to see what we are about,” said Steve Smith, director of public relations. “It’s a plus for us and our students.”
Campus Conservatives attempted to host a gubernatorial debate Tuesday with Republican candidates, but the event changed to a one-man forum with State Sen. Tom George, R-Kalamazoo, since other candidates could not attend.
Seven candidates were sent invitations to the May forum, but the names of the candidates could not be released, said Kerry Duggan, deputy director and development director for Michigan League of Conservation Voters and MLCV education fund.
“The top candidates could change and probably will,” Duggan said.
According to the press release, the filing deadline for the major party candidates is May 11, the day before the forum.
“Questions will expand on the umbrella (of topics),” Duggan said. “In my opinion it’s fairly broad.”
The main three challenges to discuss are rebuilding the state economy, creating jobs and safeguarding Michigan’s natural resources, Duggan said.
She said the issues could be described as umbrella issues with questions angling toward the economy and new jobs.
“Questions about the economy and natural resources will be accepted,” Duggan said.
The public can go to LCV’s Web site, michiganlcvedfund.org/GubernatorialForum, and enter their question for the candidates, Duggan said.
“The questions will be asked by Michigan Public Radio and The Detroit Free Press, two of our sponsors,” Duggan said.
CMU was picked to hold the forum because it is centrally located in the state, Duggan said. It also is sponsored by ConservAmerica and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.
“At a critical time in Michigan, candidates who would lead this state must afford the voting public every opportunity to know their views on issues of vital importance to our future,” said Executive Director of MLCV Lisa Wozniak in the press release. “Michigan’s economy can’t afford a governor who doesn’t understand the simple truth behind our state’s Pure Michigan ads: protecting our natural resources creates a healthier economy.”
A past event
In 2002, a pre-primary forum was held at Brighton High School and had a turnout of 800 people, Duggan said.
“We want to improve or match the attendance for the 2002 forum,” Duggan said.
Although classes end with exam week May 3-7, Duggan said she hopes CMU students will turn out for the forum.
“The future relies on the student generation,” Duggan said.
If issues arise with space and demand for the forum, it will be crossed further down the road, Duggan said.
“I don’t expect it to be that big of a deal,” Duggan said.
The forum will be broadcast live on Michigan Radio, played on statewide public television and livestreamed over the Internet at the Detroit Free Press and the Michigan Radio Web sites.
“Since the press release, I have been approached by a number of news, radio and online news who want to cover (the forum),” Duggan said.
Duggan said who covers the forum outside of the sponsors will be determined closer to the date.
