Last Tuesday UTM students and Weakley County citizens turned out for the “Forum on the Future,” two debates for the positions of Weakley County trustee and mayor.

The Forum, which was broadcast live on WUTM FM 90.3, was moderated by Bud Grimes, Director of University Relations. The candidates for Trustee were Donald Doster, who currently holds the office, Patsy Mangum and Tony Prince. The candidates for Mayor were Ron Gifford, who currently holds the office and Houston Patrick.

The debates consisted of pre-screened questions submitted by Weakley County citizens that the candidates had two minutes with which to respond.

Some of the issues tackled during the trustee debate were: efficiency in the trustee office, the introduction of newer technology and the possibility of allowing partial payment on county taxes. “This is a total win for the county,” said Tony Prince, trustee candidate.

“Some people live paycheck to paycheck and this would definitely be advantageous. I’m not the big fancy politician, I’m just trying to help Weakley County,’ said Prince.

The current county trustee, Donald Doster, said “Let me assure you that there are no idle funds.”

“I don’t have a preference for Weakley County banks; the money goes to the highest bidder,” said Doster.

Patsy Mangum, trustee candidate, feels that Doster’s 10-year experience as Trustee should not be an issue. “I do feel like it’s time for a change in this office…I have had countless people come to me and say they are ready for a change,” said Mangum.

“The saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ but the voters are ready for a change I think,” said Mangum.

After the pre-screened questions, the candidates took questions from the audience.

When asked by UTM student Lyle Morris what their party affiliation was, all candidates claimed to be in the Democratic party. After a short break, the two candidates for county mayor took the stage.

Ron Gifford, a UTM alumnus and the current mayor, was the first to speak.

“I don’t have a job. I have an adventure. And it’s an adventure that I enjoy everyday,” said Gifford.

Houston Patrick, the challenging candidate, has worked at the Registry of Deeds and served on various boards.

Some of the issues the mayoral candidates debated were: the increasing technical nature of the world, possible obstacles while in office, a land use plan and zoning issues, and how to help promote high school education in Weakley County.

“Informing our citizenry of our projects and plans is one of our biggest obstacles,” said Gifford.

Patrick then said, “We are not absolutely prepared to produce a skilled workforce…This area is not impoverished in terms of what we need to accomplish these goals.”

Kaylis Magras, a freshman Political Science major thought the forum was a success.

“I thought it was highly informative and I personally believe the involvement of student groups in local elections helps insure our involvement in the community,” said Magras.

The forum was sponsored by the Weakley County West Star Alumni, SGA, the American Democracy Project and LEAD Academy.