Surprise: Mayoral "forum" on tap for Wednesday, October 24 at the library.

NAC graciously permitted the Tribune the scoop on this one.

Don’t call it a debate in New Albany mayor’s race, by Eric Scott Campbell.

Mayoral candidates Randy Hubbard and Doug England have not appeared on the same stage yet in this campaign, a distinction that will continue even after a forum featuring both of them next week.

Some weeks back, Develop New Albany’s economic restructuring committee discussed the possibility of arranging a mayoral candidate forum for the express purpose of focusing the candidates' attention on downtown revitalization issues.

Democratic candidate Doug England’s camp immediately and enthusiastically signaled acceptance, but Republican candidate Randy Hubbard subsequently let it be known that he would accede to no such gatherings, citing scheduling conflicts and conceding indirectly to a general absence of political acumen.

Fortunately, Develop New Albany board member Ed Clere didn’t let it rest there, and now a compromise of sorts has been reached.

We are pleased to announce that Develop New Albany will sponsor a mayoral candidate forum at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, in the Strassweg Auditorium of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library. Each candidate will have 45 minutes to answer prepared questions presented by a moderator. Republican Randy Hubbard will appear first, followed by a 15-minute break and then Democrat Doug England. Questions will focus on downtown growth and revitalization issues.

In spite of the fact that there will be no questions allowed from the public, NAC nonetheless asks readers to submit questions and topics for this forum. We'll listen carefully to see if these are answered, albeit indirectly, and perhaps submit them for follow-up answers to the candidates' handlers.

For more thoughts on the forthcoming election, visit NA Shadow Council.