Highsmith challenges Mayor Finley to debate

MADISON – Mayoral candidate Marc Highsmith has challenged incumbent Mayor Paul Finley to join him in arranging a televised debate during the week of Aug. 17.

In an Email sent Monday, Highsmith said voters deserve a clear understanding of the issues that Madison will face during the next four years, and how each candidate will approach them. “I am willing to state my case in a public forum, and to respond to questions the people want answered,” Highsmith said. “I hope Mayor Finley is willing to do the same.”

Highsmith suggests the campaign staffs and television management set the format for the debate. “Playing an election like a football game makes the voters spectators,” he said. “A debate where each candidate responds to questions gathered from the voters allows everyone to be a participant.”

There has been no word yet if Mayor Finley will accept the debate challenge.