Thursday, November 1, 2018

Oped: Ozark Mayoral Debate by Bethany F.


A mayoral debate between candidates Roxie Hall and Steve Whitaker took place October 23rd. The debate occurred in the Ozark Performing Arts Center with local radio station, KDYN, as a sponsor. T.R. McNutt, the former mayor, chose not to attend. Based on polling done by the OHS Government/Politics Class, I believe that McNutt’s decision not to debate very much hindered his campaign. The debate was held to help inform the public on the candidates’ positions, goals, and objectives; it was also livestreamed to reach a larger audience. When asking his ideas for encouraging entrepreneurship, Steve Whitaker detailed his plans for creating a “business incubator” downtown. He plans to use the city’s reserve money to fund this while also creating opportunities for grants. I foresee that if he is able to get this passed it would be a great opportunity and would curate substantial revenue. In Roxie Hall’s rebuttal, she stated her plans to clean up downtown to create a comfortable environment for businesses. I think this is ineffective; businesses decide their locations based on where they know they can receive business. Steve Whitaker won the debate in my opinion. It seems that the public agrees based on the amount of people whose vote was shifted from another candidate to Steve as found in our poll. 

 Who do you believe won the debate? What issue/question do you think was influential in changing people’s opinions? How do you think Ozark should increase business and economic growth?

at

6 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 1, 2018 at 7:22 AM

    I believe that it was a very close debate with both candidates bringing really strong points and ideas. I feel like Steve Whitaker was more ready and knowing of exactly what he wanted to do and accomplish which allowed him to win the debate. I feel the most influential question asked, was talking about how they can bring people to Ozark and keep them here. I feel the best way to make businesses want to come here, is for them to feel welcomed, and for Ozark to be presentable to them when they arrive. Also, make sure businesses and companies know that Ozark wants them to build and work in this town.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 1, 2018 at 8:03 AM

    I feel like Steve won the debate. The main question that really influenced my decision who won, and may have influenced other peoples decision would have to be the question about each city clerk being in the news, and if he is elected, how will he be able to work with city officials after he has threw shade at them. I feel like Ozark should spend that $3 Million dollars in reserves, by cleaning up our city, and reviving our mains street. I feel like if we start there, business will notice, and will try to come to our town.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 1, 2018 at 11:07 AM

    The debate was very informative and both candidates did an excellent job on stating their plans for our town. However I do feel that Mr. Whitaker contradicted himself quite a few times. That caused me to lean more with Mrs. Hall on who won the debate. I also felt as though her ideas were well thought out and are possible.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 2, 2018 at 12:00 PM

    I feel that Steve won. There were multiple times where I felt like Roxie didn’t know what she was doing. And there was a point where she said that prayer was the answer to something. While I do believe in God and believe in the effects of prayer, I don’t think that is something you should run with in the government. Not everyone has the same beliefs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 2, 2018 at 2:38 PM

    I personally feel that Mr. Whiteaker won the debate. While both candidates performed well and responded well, Steve had more facts and knowledge to explain the plans for the city of Ozark. Roxie's answer never provided any specific plans. She mainly talked about the problems in Ozark and just said that they needed to be fixed. I am not really sure how to grow Ozark's businesses and economy. Ozark will never be a large scale town with a lot of different businesses. But, I do think that it has a little potential to grow.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousNovember 2, 2018 at 10:08 PM

    I agree that Steve Whiteaker won the debate. I also agree that Mr. McNutt doesn’t have a very good chance of winning now. Mrs. Hall said many times”you all know me” or “ I want to do what the people want to do” instead of making a stance on something. Mr. Whiteaker was specific which ultimately was the reason people switched who they support.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

"The Largest Airlift Ever" by Ben R.

  The recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as US and UN forces withdrew has led to a refugee crisis as thousands of Afghan refugees desper...

  • (no title)
    On October 23, 2018 Ozark mayoral candidates attended a debate held at the performing arts center. This event was presented by Ozark High Sc...
  • Mayoral Debate by Madison S.
    On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, KDYN and Mrs. Dawa's AP Government and Politics class hosted a mayoral debate for the city of Ozark. There...
  • Ozark Mayoral Debate by Marissa J.
    On October 23, 2018, Ozark held its first Mayoral Debate since quite a while ago. This event took place at 6:30 in the newly built Ozark...