September 24, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Elaine Englehardt
(801) 863-6464
Utah Valley University will host the Third Congressional District Debate, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in UVU’s Grande Ballroom in the Sorensen Center (SC). The individuals intended to participate include Bennion Spencer, Democrat; Jason Chaffetz, Republican; and Jim Noorlander, Constitution party.
A reception for the public will be held before the debate from 6:15-7 p.m. just outside the Grande Ballroom. Here, attendees are encouraged to speak with each candidate personally, before the interrogation of questions and discussion begins.
“We have set aside 45 minutes before the debates to begin for students, faculty and community members to personally visit with the candidates,” said Elaine Englehardt, professor of ethics. “It is an opportunity to see the candidates in a casual setting and exchange ideas and points of view.”
The debate, organized by Englehardt, is part of the Utah Democracy Project; a project designed to enlighten students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community about the importance of the political system in the United States.
“A well educated population is vital in a functioning democracy,” said Englehardt. “It is important for students, faculty and community members to learn as much as they can about the three candidates. [They] have diverse points of view. We should educate ourselves about their positions in vital areas of our lives and vote for the candidate who can best represent our community.”
The questions posed to each candidate will be provided by the Ethics Center, as well as several UVU student leaders and campus groups. Once the questions are formed, they will be submitted to the Daily Herald for delivery at the debate.
The debate will be moderated by Randy Wright, managing editor of the Daily Herald, and broadcasted live on UVU channels 17 and 77. UVU is also planning to rebroadcast the debate before the Nov. 4 elections.
The event is cosponsored by the Associated Students of UVU, The Daily Herald and the Office of the President. It is free to the public. Parking will be available in the Sorensen Center lot, located just north of the Sorensen Center.
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College Marketing Contact:
Kim Chapman
(801) 494-7409
Written by:
Hanna Hopkinson
(801) 863-7205