Blogs

(Repost from an e-mail.)

Citizens for Livable Communities (CLC) will hold a "Musical Chairs Forum" on Sunday, October 19, from 2 - 4 pm in the large meeting room at the Chapel Hill Library.

A "musical chairs" format was very successful and fun two years ago. We are doing it again. This format will provide citizens a unique small group opportunity for local residents to ask questions in a non-intimidating setting and for the candidate to explain his or her views. Candidates will visit each table for a stated period of time. Unlike musical chairs there will always be a seat for the candidate.

Please refer questions to Kristina Ahlen, 485- 7722 or Julie McClintock, 541-5339, or reply to this e-mail.

The Citizens for Livable Communities Organizing Committee

CLC promotes livable communities through citizen involvement, dialogue and advocacy.

(This is a reprint from a local listserv.)

The Orange County Unit of the League of Women Voters is planning three Candidates Forums (for Chapel Hill's Council race, Carrboro's Board of Aldermen and Mayoral races, and for the CH/Carrboro Board of Education race) in the month of October. Forums are scheduled for 7:00 pm

Tuesday 10/14, CH/Carrboro Board of Education in Chapel Hill Town Hall

Thursday 10/16, CH Town Council in CH Town Hall

Wednesday 10/22, Part 1:Carrboro Board of Aldermen and Part two: Mayor; in Carrboro's Town Hall

It is almost midnight and I really need to go to bed since I have to get up at 5 AM. A little over an hour ago I finished the third forum of this Town council race and I'm a little too wired. I did poorly, which is totally my own fault. I am frustrated with the forums. There are too many candidates and it is really getting dull listening to all of us prattle on. The CAN forum tonight started with a question on school merger and went nowhere from there. All of our answers are too long, in most cases not substantive and occasionally insipid. This should be providing voters with a glimpse of their choices, if anyone is watching. After seeing us all in action I know who is repeating rehearsed pablum at every opportunity and who is actually trying to answer the question, but I only get one vote and my mind is made up.

The formats could be adjusted to speed things up. Maybe someone will try something new, encourage candidates to ask questions of each other, mix it up a little.