Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matthew R. Godfrey, Mayor of Ogden
Tel: (801)629-8111
Email: mayor@ogdencity.com
OGDEN, UTAH – September 25, 2009 -- Ogden City is currently reviewing the videos of the debates that were taped on Thursday, September 24, 2009 to decide whether or not they will air the debates where the other candidate did not show up.
“We are disappointed that three candidates chose not to participate in the debate, but we want to make sure we are not perceived or accused of favoritism in behalf of any candidate. We believe in open government and feel candidate debates on Channel 17 is an important way for transparency to occur,” said CAO John Patterson, who has responsibility for Channel 17.
“Part of the reason for a careful review is because while we don’t feel like it’s fair for one candidate to hold another hostage by choosing not to debate, we don’t want to be perceived as promoting one candidate over another,” John Patterson continued. “Our desire is to have a forum where people get to hear from the candidates themselves on their viewpoints on various issues and decide who can best represent them.”
Ogden City will air the debate of Patrick Dean and Doug Stephens immediately. The ones that will not be aired immediately include Neil Garner, David Phipps and Mark Hains because their opponents Jesse Garcia, Bart Blair and Suzie Van Hoosier chose not to participate.
For more information contact the Administration Office at 801-629-8111.
