POLITICS: NO FIGHTS, JUST FACTS AT COURTHOUSE LAWN DEBATE

JACKSON, Mo. -- There will be no shoving matches, name calling or interruptions allowed when Jackson voters and high school students debate major ballot issues on the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse lawn Saturday.

In fact, debaters won't even address each other during the outdoor debate, which begins at 1 p.m. Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Ken Parrett said a formal debate system will ensure only dignified disagreements take place so voters leave the event well informed and able to make decisions on the issues.

"There are no rebuttals between debaters and no questions from the audience until after the debate is over," said Parrett. "This is a nonpartisan debate designed to let them get their facts out. That way, the citizens can hear more than one opinion, and they'll have facts to base their judgments on."

Debates on state Propositions A and B, a local school bond proposal and county planning and zoning measure all will follow the same format. Debaters will have five minutes to make opening statements, after which each side will answer the same five questions posed by a moderator. Each side later will be given five minutes to make closing remarks.

A.J. Berri, Katie Townsend, Jennifer Hotop and Molly Woeltje, members of the Jackson High School debate team, will argue supporting and dissenting opinions for Proposition A and Proposition B.

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.

Although the format will differ from what the students are used to, debate team coach Jennifer Beeson said her students are ready for the challenge. During practices, students have focused on presentation of facts and educating the public as opposed to hard and fast debate tactics, she said.

"Their main goal is to educate. Even in debate class, I tell them that's always been the main goal," said Beeson. "They have been toning it down a little bit more than they would if they actually were going after an opponent."

The students won't tackle the county planning and zoning measure or school bond proposal, issues which have high emotional value for local voters. Instead, adult residents have been asked to volunteer to address the local issues as well as the statewide propositions.

"We didn't ask them to do county planning or the school bond, and I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted to," Parrett said. "This is just the Chamber of Commerce wanting to get democracy in action."

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce has endorsed both the school bond issue and county planning and zoning and opposes Proposition B.

Parrett said, despite numerous requests, he has been unsuccessful in convincing anyone to speak in opposition of the school bond issue or on other side of Proposition A. The issues are being discussed in the community and deserve to be represented during the debates, he said.

"I'm still hoping someone will come forward and agree to speak on these issues, especially since all we're wanting to do is present the facts," said Parrett. "We just wanted to get the citizens involved. They're all intelligent enough to make their own decisions."

Scott Mills of the Missouri Voters for Fair Elections will speak in support of Proposition B against Jim Kistler of Associated Industries, who will take the opposing position against the measure. Doug Flannery will oppose county planning and zoning against supporter Roger Arnzen.

Jack Litzelfelner Jr. will speak in support of the $6 million school bond proposal that would fund building improvements to ease overcrowding at R.O. Hawkins Junior High.

The event is sponsored by the chamber and will be conducted by the League of Women Voters. Voters will consider all four issues in general elections Nov. 7..