No spoilers here, we’ll just say the Ward 2 debate is largely about experience and experience being questioned, and yes, differing priorities. Like we’ve been saying for months, this is a race to watch, and at only 45 minutes, this debate is… well… also one to watch.
Twice, incumbent Briae Lewis has run and won, but this third go is proving more difficult. Opponent Tarsa Weikert is running a serious campaign and has the kind of support sometimes reserved primarily for incumbents. It’s not that Lewis doesn’t have incumbent-level support as well, it’s just surprising to see the who’s who of who has come on board with Weikert.
Neither Lewis or Weikert come off as polarizing, but they are very different candidates, each will have their supporters and detractors, and we suspect this debate will bring viewers, one way or the other, to a decision.
The Advocate’s Cityspeak Debate Series
Of nine council seats, five are contested, and we are conducting debates for each. We posted Ward 6 yesterday. Today we are posting the debates for Wards 2 and 7. Tomorrow, we’ll post the debates for Wards 1 and 4.
Mayoral and Ballot Measures Happen Next Week
Next week’s debates include the race for Corvallis Mayor, a ballot measure that would reduce the number of city councilors and expand their terms to four years, and a proposed tax levy supporting local schools. The Advocate will be posting the debates as they are completed.
These debates are all co-presented by The Corvallis Advocate and City Club of Corvallis; moderators include Helen Higgins, Steven J. Schultz and Campbell Grove.
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com