The Huntingburg Mayoral Forum 2011; an editorial observation

Organizers at the Huntingburg Mayoral Forum had to put out more chairs last night as the crowd grew beyond the expected attendance at the Huntingburg Event Center. This may be due to the city facing a contentious political season, but what truly happened last night was a moment that allowed citizens to see that both candidates basically have the same goals and the same intentions for the city.

As the night went on and the candidates answered each question the true differences became apparent.

Denny Spinner is the salesman and preacher he claims to be as he looked comfortable standing before the crowd; his answers thoughtful and natural. He was in his element as he demonstrated his intelligence and discretion concerning the city.

Janet Kemp, though not the natural speaker, has worked for two administrations and has experience in the workings of the city. Standing at the podium was obviously nerve wracking for her, but when it came to moments of policy she portrayed that experience and her own intelligence in the strength of her answers.

Both had moments in which their answers or banter with moderator VUJC Dean Alan Johnson brought about laughter in the audience, but all in all, regardless of the “D” or “R” beside their names, these two candidates have the same plans and goals for Huntingburg.

Both support tax abatements to attract new business.

Both are concerned about our youth and the “brain drain”.

And it continues.

Questions from the audience and the Facebook page were predominantly over economic development and morale in the city as the employees deal with a contentious atmosphere brought on by this political season. The hospital question came up several times as well; it is essentially stalled until the group gets the rest of their funding to move forward.

The question over the status of the Huntingburg Event Center and the city’s role in its future was a common theme as well. When asked, both candidates stated they did not want the city to manage, own, or operate the event center and would not support an offer to take over any of those roles in the future.

Interestingly at the end of the night when all the political banter was done and the questions were answered a look around the room showed Janet surrounded by her family and friends, Denny with his wife, family,  and friends, and everyone else milling around between each other talking and laughing.

I saw no raised eyebrows or scowls, I saw people with a commonality in this city, in this community, in this area coming to an event to hear a couple of people trying to make the city a better place talk about why you should vote for either one of them.