OLD-FASHIONED POLITICAL DEBATE SET

JACKSON, Mo. -- These days, most political persuasion is done through advertising -- either print, billboards or broadcast. But on Oct. 14, both sides of some of the day's most important issues will be presented in an old-fashioned debate on the courthouse lawn in Jackson.

The debates will be sponsored by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and conducted by the League of Women Voters. They will focus on four election issues to be decided Nov. 7: Proposition A, Proposition B, the Jackson school bond issue and countywide planning and zoning.

"We want to get back to the issues and the information," said Ken Parrett, executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. "Sometimes after awhile, any issue put out there gets skewed. And erroneous information gets out there and becomes gospel."

Although the Jackson Chamber of Commerce has taken a position on three of the four issues -- it opposes Proposition B and favors both the school bond issue and county planning and zoning -- Parrett says the purpose of the debates is solely to provide accurate information.

"We want people to listen to the pros and cons from each side and then make an intelligent decision."

Parrett said the League of Women Voters has agreed to play a role in the debates, providing handout information about each ballot issue.

Proposition A would prevent most new billboards in the state and prohibit existing billboards from being replaced or relocated. Proposition B would provide a system for public funding of elections.

Jackson's school bond issue would provide about $6 million for expansion of the school district's junior high school. And the county measure would institute planning throughout Cape Girardeau County, which is one of only two first-class counties in the state without planning and zoning regulations.

The debates themselves will encourage participation by proponents and opponents of the issues as well as people in the audience. The debate team at Jackson High School also has been asked to participate.

Debaters will be located in the bandstand. Some seating will be provided on the lawn. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available.

Anyone interested in participating in the debates is invited to contact the Jackson Chamber of Commerce at 243-8131.

This is the first time the chamber has sponsored such a debate to his knowledge, Parrett said. "We want people involved in the civic community again, and we want to get back to the day when people can just hear the issues and judge for themselves."

The debates will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 14 and continue until 2 or 3 p.m., Parrett said.