The local online media outlet Potomac Local has announced that it will hold two debates April 11, featuring the two Republican primary candidates for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors positions of Chairman At-large and Coles Magisterial District Supervisor.
The debates, co-sponsored by the Coles District Civic Association, will be a face-off between Chairman At-large incumbent Corey Stewart and Republican challenger Chris Crawford, and Coles Magisterial District Supervisor Martin "Marty" Nohe and his Republican challenger, Paul O'Meara.
The debates will take place at the Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center on Hoadly Road in Woodbridge. Those attending the debate will be asked to remove their shoes upon entering the community center.
The first debate, focusing the Chairman's position and the county overall, will begin at 5:30 p.m. The second debate, to focus on the Coles District, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Residents may attend either or both of these debates.
The Prince William Republican Committee will choose its official party nominees based upon the outcome of a party canvass or "firehouse primary" to be held at locations throughout the county on Saturday, April 25 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. In the meantime, the debate provides citizens a chance to better know the candidates and where they stand on local issues.
Stacy Shaw, Executive Editor of Bristow Beat, interviewed Potomac Local Publisher, Uriah Kiser, about the two debates.
BB: Why did you decide to hold a Republican debate with primary candidates for Chairman of the BOCS and Supervisor for the Coles District?
PL: The Coles District Civic Association and the Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center approached Potomac Local about the possibility of holding a debate for the Coles District. Both parties were interested in working with our online news organization following the success of the Brentsville District Debate hosted by Bristow Beat / Potomac Local in December.
BB: Why did you choose to focus on the Coles District as well as the Chairman's race?
PL: During a meeting of the Coles District Civic Association, Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center, and Potomac Local, the former organizations asked if Potomac Local would like to be involved in a Coles District Debate. During that discussion, the possibility of adding a Chairman Primary debate was discussed and agreed upon.
BB: Did you consider including Democratic challengers in the debate? Why did you settle on just Republican primary candidates?
PL: (Democratic Candidate for Chairman) Rick Smith was invited to the debate. He declined to attend.
BB: Do you have the format of the debate planned yet? If so, what is it?
PL: The format will follow the format of the Brentsville District debate:
BB: How many people can the Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center accommodate? And, how many people do you expect to attend?
PL: The center will hold up to 300 people. We would like to see as many people as possible attend. There will also be a video live stream of the debate so those who cannot attend will be able to watch from home.
BB: What did you learn from throwing the Brentsville Candidates Debate with Bristow Beat that you can apply to this candidates debate?
PL: I learned that the resident of Prince William County are involved and engaged in local issues, and that they deserve to hear from their candidates. It's part of my job as a local news publisher to foster discussion and, in this case, political debates on how we will shape our community for the years to come. I'm honored Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center and Coles District Civic Association, and each of the candidates who have agreed to attend and participate in the debates, trust Potomac Local to help lead that conversation.
BB: Why do you believe holding candidate debates is important for the community?
PL: Our readers live very fast-paced lives and spend many hours commuting to and from work. By holding this event on a Saturday, it allows residents that might not have time during the week to engage with local government to come and hear from those vying to not only represent them on the Board of Supervisors, but also make decisions on how their tax dollars are spent.
BB: In your opinion, why is Potomac Local a good choice to host the debate?
PL: Potomac Local will enter its fifth year of publication this summer. Since we've launched, our mission has been to provide thoughtful, insightful, and timely news coverage in Prince William County. We've never endorsed a political candidate, and we've strive every day to seek truth from all sides of every story.
BB: When we hosted together, I felt you were a great moderator. What do you think makes a good moderator?
PL: I truly appreciate your kind words. A good moderator must have a tight grasp of the issues facing the community, be opening to new perspectives, and have the ability to involve the audience whenever possible, whether allowing them to ask questions or to provide a lighthearted remark to break up what can sometimes be tedious topicality.
BB: Why do you want questions from the community?
PL: We want others to submit questions so the community has a stake in this discussion. All questions for either debate may be submitted here.
BB. How will you ensure a fair debate?
PL: While this is a debate, it is also a conversation between the candidates and the audience, and the candidates and the moderator. The candidates are experienced in engaging in conversations with people every day, and that's what we'll be doing here.
BB: Will coverage of the debate be posted on Potomac Local? Are other media outlets invited to cover the debate?
PL: All media outlets may cover the event. Potomac Local will also provide coverage of the debate.
Bristow Beat plans on covering the Chairman's debate and will share Potomac Local's coverage of the Coles' debate.
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