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Erie County Executive candidates will be grilled by Edinboro University journalism students during pre-election debate

10/14/2009

Decision '09

Erie County Executive candidates will be grilled by Edinboro University journalism students during pre-election debate

EDINBORO, Pa. - The two major party candidates for Erie County Executive will meet at Edinboro University Monday, Oct. 19, to debate key issues important to all county residents.

Democrat Barry Grossman and Republican Mike Kerner will face each other in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election for the right to replace current Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, who was defeated by Grossman in the spring primary. But first, they'll meet next Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Frank G. Pogue Student Center's Multi-purpose Room B to debate important campaign issues.

The debate is the brainchild of Edinboro adjunct Professor Mary A. Murray and is being conducted by her advanced journalism class studying editorial pages and editorial writing.

"As we discussed the importance of editorial boards and how these boards routinely interview candidates seeking elective offices before making endorsements, it seemed appropriate we carry out a real-life exercise in journalism democracy," Murray said. Her class members have come up with their own questions for the candidates and will take turns asking them during the 90-minute debate.

"Decision '09: The Erie County Executive Public Forum," is free and open to all Edinboro students, faculty, staff and the general public.

The debate will be moderated by Anthony Peyronel, chair of Edinboro's Department of Communication and Media Studies, but all questions to candidates will be conceived and asked by Edinboro students.

"Dr. Peyronel is very encouraging of such public discourse, especially in our journalism courses," Murray said. "As a result, we're excited to be a part of this important educational process."

Controversial issues bound to be taken up during the hour-and-a-half debate include public safety and the 911 Dispatch Center, the proposed Erie tire-to-energy plant, the proposed Erie County community college, spending of casino-generated gambling revenue, and taxation.