NEWS

News of Davidson Candidate Forum on September 29

Monday evening the News of Davidson hosted a candidate forum at the Davidson Town Hall and Community Center.

After a poor turnout for a previous forum, organizers and candidates alike were pleased with the more than 40 people who showed up on an otherwise dreary, rainy evening.

Rev. Daniel Heath, J.D., the Associate Chaplain and Director of the Davidson Forum at Davidson College, served as the moderator. He was assisted by Jane McNeill, Davidson College class of 2028, a physics major from Raleigh.

Jane McNeill and Rev. Daniel Heath

Candidates in attendance included Rusty Knox (unopposed candidate for Mayor) and the following candidates for Town Board: Ryan Fay, David Lusk, Tracy Mattison Brandon, Autumn Rierson Michael, and Connie Wessner.

Candidate Steve Justus was unable to attend the forum, and sent the a statement regarding his absence that is provided in its entirety at the end of this article.

The candidates made opening remarks followed by two questions from the moderator. The subsequent questions were from the audience. Everyone in attendance was provided a card for questions and those were handed to the assistant moderator.

Following a series of questions from the audience, all the candidates were given the opportunity to make a closing statement. At the conclusion of the formal portion of the forum, members of the audience were invited to stay and talk one-on-one with the candidates and enjoy cookies and lemonade.

The event was live streamed on the News of Davidson Facebook page. Most importantly, photos and video clips from the event have been posted on the News of Davidson photos website. The video clips in the album will allow viewers to watch specific portions of the forum.

As a reminder, you can also review the full written responses to candidate questions posed by the News of Davidson earlier in the election cycle.

Statement from candidate Steve Justus

I am sorry I could not be with you at tonight’s forum. My wife Phyl and I are taking the longest time away in our married life, the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. We are celebrating Phyl’s retirement after a 45-year career in nursing.

Timing being what it is, we’re away in the midst of an election campaign. Perhaps my colleagues in front of you are a bit envious. But what my absence prevents is your ability to hear my answers to questions posed tonight and for that, again my apologies.

I’ve had two years on the town board and I would appreciate your vote in order to serve another term. I’ve learned a bit about where I can be effective and where I cannot.

My priorities are shared in the News of Davidson and I hope you take the time to read them. My perspective as a physician with emergency medicine and public health experience is unique amongst my colleagues and I hope proves useful in addressing the challenges and opportunities we face.

If elected, I intend to use a second term to focus broadly on community well being and think in long term timeframes. I appreciate the support I have received to date in this position by my fellow board members, mayor, staff and community members.

And I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve on the town board.