CITIZENS WILL DEBATE THE ISSUES OCT. 14

Jackson area voters will get a chance to go back to the basics of a democracy next month.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a public debate Oct. 14 on the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse lawn. Propositions A and B, County Planning & Zoning and the Jackson R-2 School Bond proposal will each be debated by interested citizens.

"We're just as excited as we can be," said Ken Parrett, executive director of the chamber. "There are a lot of issues out there and a lot of different representations being made of issues. We wanted to get back to the basics and provide information to the people. This is the only way to do it, with people standing up on the courthouse lawn and conducting a good non-partisan debate."

Any area resident may register and take part in the debates. The tentative format calls for each debater to give a five minute introduction, stating his/her position. Each person will then be asked five questions. (Those taking the opposite side will be asked the same five questions.) The debater will then be allowed to give a five minute summary. At the moment there are no plans for rebuttal statements or questions from the crowds.

Parrett said plenty of enthusiasm has been expressed for the project. Actual participants, though, have been slow to materialize.

"We've received all sorts of interest," Parrett said. "We've only had three call and say I want to debate,' though. We've received lots of phone calls saying what a good idea it is."

The Jackson High School debate team will debate each issue except the school bond issue.

Those interested in debating any of the issues should call the Chamber of Commerce office at 243-8131. Registration will be taken up to the afternoon of the debates.

"It's betting back to the basics and civic involvement," Parrett said. "That's what Democracy is supposed to be about. People can walk by and listen, hear both sides of an issue and make a decision."

Parrett stressed that while the Chamber itself holds positions on many of the ballot issues, the debate will be strictly non-partisan.

"Each side presents the issues," he said. "We're not going to skew it one way or the other. Debaters will present their ideas and let the people decide."

The League of Women voters will hold a simultaneous mock election on the four ballot issues. Results will be announced at the end of the debates. The JHS Future Business Leaders of America will man a concession stand.

Parrett said no plans have been made for inclement weather. If any such plans are made, they will appear in the USA Signal.

"I can't stress enough that this is what it's all about," Parrett said, "hearing the issues and making your own choice. We're getting back to the way it was, with people on each side voicing their opinions and presenting their facts."

He also said it will be "issues only," with no electioneering and not political candidates taking part.

"Candidates are welcome to come and listen," he said, "but electioneering will be forbidden."

With the visage of Andrew Jackson facing the proceedings from the Jackson mural, it is hard to ignore images of 19th century outdoor debates.

"It's a good idea. It should be fun, if nothing else," Parrett quipped. "Just check your guns in at the door. There will be do dueling."

Parrett said the debate "may not be the last one we do" if it goes over well.