Irregularities in Mayor’s Debate

An investigative report by the Central City News on the Thursday, March 6 mayoral debate at the Central High auditorium showed that

• Candidate Dave Freneaux had prior knowledge of some of the questions.

• Dave Freneaux actually wrote some of the questions he and Shelton were asked.

• Jr. Shelton had no prior knowledge of the questions.

• The debate organizers, Central Community Alliance and Central Chamber of Commerce, both knew Freneaux had prior knowledge of the questions and that Freneaux had written those questions.

• The debate organizers nevertheless went forward with the debate and allowed the tainted questions to be used.

• The planted questions challenged the character and fitness of Shelton.

• Debate organizers allowed Shelton to walk onto the stage without informing him that Freneaux had prior knowledge of the questions, which allowed Freneaux to write out his answers and prepare his remarks in advance.

Harry Rauls of Central Community Alliance acknowledged the facts above and issued a formal apology to Shelton.  While not disputing the facts, Wayne Leader of the Central Chamber said the debate was run properly and did not apologize.