LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania University students will get a first-hand look at the democratic process during a campus mayoral debate co-hosted by the Lexington Forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Carrick Theater.
Incumbent Mayor Jim Gray and challenger, former Lexington Police Chief Anthany Beatty, will answer questions submitted by students and Forum members during the event, which LEX18 and WEKU will broadcast live.
Gray is vying for his second term in the Nov. 4 general election.
The debate host will be LEX18 anchor Nancy Cox, and the moderator will be Tom Martin, Herald-Leader columnist, Transylvania staff member and Forum board member. While each campaign has been provided with a general list of related topics, they were not given specific questions.
“Hosting the mayoral debate on campus demonstrates to our students and our college community the importance of public dialog relating to local issues and the importance of participating in the democratic process,” Transylvania President Seamus Carey said.
Molly Sutherland, president of the Lexington Forum, said her group is “all about the healthy discussion and analysis of community and regional issues. We always look for opportunities to host conversations that bring differing points of view into the open. This mayoral debate is a perfect example. And where more appropriate than this campus dedicated to the civic engagement of tomorrow’s leaders?”
Doors will close at 6:50 p.m., and the debate will start at 7 sharp. Free tickets are available to members of the Forum and the Transylvania community.
A reception will follow in the lobby of Haggin Auditorium.