Think fast

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Hot damn, one election down—Best Of—one to go. Remember two years ago when we had the lightning-fast “Speed Debating” events at the Nevada Museum of Art and the Sparks City Hall, during which we asked local candidates relevant questions about the community, and SNCAT later broadcast it? The basic shtick is the time limit is short enough that candidates have to give no bullshit, succinct answers.

Well, we’re doing it again.

Last time, we hosted the Reno City Council candidates and Reno mayor candidates, and Sparks was so impressed they asked us to do one for them, too. This year, so far, we’re only planning a debate among the Reno City Council candidates, but if Sparks wants to jump on board, they should let me know.

I’ve heard back from some of the candidates, so I know we’ll have at least enough participation to make for an interesting forum. I’m not quite sure how we’ll handle the situation if one candidate doesn’t show up. Since the final part of the debate is each candidate asking their opposing candidate one question, a hole in the roster could penalize the participant. I’m sure someone will have a suggestion.

So, anyway, if you’re interested in the Reno City Council races, and you’re not quite sure which way to go, I’d suggest you do not vote early. (Actually, I’d never encourage you to vote early. Too often—like last election with Jim Gibbons—vote changing information comes out after the advent of early voting.)

Our Speed Debating event is open to the public and will be at the Nevada Museum of Art on Thursday Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. Participants who want to see how it worked in the past should contact SNCAT.