Date Changed: Lincolnwood’s Mayoral Debate

To start things off, Lincolnwood’s mayoral debate has now moved from March 26 to March 28.

Last week, Skokie Patch hosted a trustee debate where nine candidates argued why they should be elected. The open forum was televised via closed circuit TV, and you can still watch it on Comcast channel 6 and AT&T channel 99.

Prior to hosting the trustee debate, Skokie Patch had just five days to prepare, as the idea of holding such an event came very late during the process. Finding dates, where all candidates could attend, and securing the village hall’s chambers, along with a camera technician to manage the cameras, was difficult on such short notice.

Once word got out that the mayoral debate – which is considered by many to be the hottest race in Lincolnwood – would be held on the second day of Passover (March 26), many residents expressed concern about not being able to attend.

Growing up in neighboring Skokie, I’m familiar with the Jewish community. I’ve been to at least 40 Bar or Bat Mitzvahs and have many friends who are Jewish, both Reform Jews and Orthodox.

Nevertheless, I’ll be the first to admit: I overlooked this when planning the debates and take full responsibility. I also want residents and the Jewish community to know that their voices have been heard, which is why we’ve changed the date to March 28. Our only agenda is to inform as many residents as possible on where each candidate stands, and I believe this achieves that.

Moving the date allows more people to attend and show their support, but at the same time, it does not satisfy everyone. For that, I sincerely apologize. I hope people understand that finding a date, where village hall’s chambers are open; and a technician to operate the cameras, scheduling reporters, photographers and the candidates themselves all went into consideration when choosing this new date. This is honestly the best we could do.

Still, if you cannot make the debate – whether for religious reasons or otherwise – you can still submit a question and catch the event on TV. I’d also like to note that the debate will not be televised live, so you’re going to have to wait a day – maybe two – to watch it.

So, where do things stand now?

The school board debate has not changed, and it will be on March 27 at 7 p.m. at village hall, 6900 Lincoln Ave.

The mayoral debate has changed from March 26 to March 28 at 7 p.m. at village hall, 6900 Lincoln Ave.

We want questions!

If you have questions for either the school board debate or mayoral debate, please email them to me at georges@patch.com. If you have any concerns or questions regarding either debate, please contact me via email or post a comment below.

Best,

George Slefo
Editor, Skokie Patch