Student Leadership Johns Creek Hosts Council Candidate Debate

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Students from Johns Creek were able to interview and host a debate recently for candidates running for city council.

On Oct. 2, the Secretary of State Ambassadors (Jayla Melvin, Omeed Kalan, Kian Kermani, Lydia Grace Logan, Caelyn DeSouza, Olivia Shaffer, Ann Philip, Tina Dong and Yasmin Shalim) representing Student Leadership Johns Creek (SLJC) hosted a City Council Debate for all qualified candidates to attend. This event was a way to incorporate voter registration with council-level politics, a blend for the voters of the next generation. This council debate idea consisted of two main goals: to stress the importance of voting and to increase awareness of the politics at the council levels. The expertise and guidance along with coordination and organization from Irene Sanders, fostered this event’s success.

The Secretary of State Student Ambassadors from Student Leadership Johns Creek formulated questions for city council posts 2, 4, and 6.

The candidates were: Royce Reinecke, Dilip Tunki and Brian Weaver in Post 2; Kent Altom, Marybeth Cooper, Chris Coughlin and Adam Thomas in Post 4; and in Post 6 Erin Elwood, Issure Yang and Judy LeFave.

The moderators randomly selected questions to ask each candidate for city council posts. The Student Ambassadors chose to have moderators for each of the three seats up for election. The candidates were seated by post and in first name order. Each candidate was given a notepad and pen to assist them in the debate, but were not allowed to bring additional notes with them on stage. The moderators proceeded with questions for the 10 candidates.

In choosing the debate format, each candidate was afforded the opportunity to answer more than just their specific questions. Because each of the three posts had more than two candidates and therefore, the Student Ambassadors organized a system in which a candidate could choose whom to challenge before the question was read. The timers notified the candidates of time remaining by holding up signs indicating the amount of time left. One of the Student Ambassadors was responsible for recording the debate.

The day of the event, the Secretary of State Ambassadors strolled in with jittery-nerves, but confidence all the same. The tables were set up with the respective posts and candidates’ names, and the seating area for the moderators and timers and manager were immaculately placed to be able to communicate subtly with each. The event started off with a meet and greet, where the Ambassadors filmed short videos documenting a short conversation as to why the running candidates were running. The arrival of the audience began in the commons area, which was filled with pickets and posters and shirts advertising the candidates. The event proceeded smoothly. The candidates gave their answers to the questions asked by the moderators. The smallest to more significant of details were kept in mind. At the end of the event, the candidates expressed their awe at the questions and gratitude for the turnout at Northview High School.

"Hosting this debate was a great way for residents of Johns Creek to find out more about the candidates running in this year’s election and possibly find the best candidate for them," SLJC said. "It was a great opportunity for the candidates to explain their policies and beliefs. In turn, it was also a great opportunity for the residents to hear who is knowledgeable and solution-oriented to step up into the role of a City Council Member. All the qualified candidates were invited to participate and did. We encourage all residents to do their homework and be educated voters."

The debate truly personified the uniqueness of American democracy-power derived from the people. Executing such a feat was initially a daunting task, however, the students felt pleased to have learned much from the process. The Ambassadors learned not only how to coordinate such an event, but also about the issues Johns Creek faces. The SLJC Secretary of State Ambassadors are grateful for Sanders for the guidance she provided and the platform the students had to be part of something important in their community.

The complete debate can be located on YouTube: