Let the Debates Begin

This evening marked the first of potentially six debates that the candidates for Gainesville's District 4 City Commission seat will participate in. It was a well contested, yet highly unanimated affair, with all of the candidates (including Pat) sticking to the script. There were no low blows, and no exchanges between any of the candidates. It was the first time that any of the Civil Indigent team has had the opportunity to hear Penny Wheat (the front runner in the race) speak, and she most definitely held her own. Ms. Wheat really knew how to work the crowd (the only candidate to leave her seat and venture out into the crowd to talk) but her answers all seamed a little rehearsed. Randy Wells did a great job and really kept up with Wheat on every question. Nathanial Sperling put in a really valiant effort in what proved to be his first public debate, only showing his nerves a few times. There was also an introduction of a fifth candidate to the mix this evening, Mason Alley, who showed an interest in the community and the issues, but lacked a gusto for the event. Pat was really in top form. He was the only candidate that connected with the audience, getting laughs at a few points, and did a great job of showing that he has a grasp of what the issues are in Gainesville. He was, of course, slanted in all of his answers towards talking about the poor and the homeless, but he was also the only person to say it like it is. It was a good outing for Pat. This election may not be a done deal... with a potential split between Wheat and Wells, who knows what could possibly happen?