For the first time in three decades, the City of Batesville will soon operate under new leadership when voters select a new mayor of the city.
Voters will also elect four ward aldermen and an alderman-at-large, filling the five positions from a list of 13 candidates.
With such change coming to Batesville, The Panolian announces plans to publicize the candidates’ positions on issues ranging from budget priorities to the pending search for a new police chief.
To give the candidates a platform to speak – and to help clarify the issues for its readers – The Panolian will publish a special political section, on Friday, April 15.
This newspaper will also host a town-hall debate for the candidates on Tuesday, April 19. That event will be held at the TVEPA auditorium.
The Democratic and Republican party primaries will be held on Tuesday, May 3.
If necessary, a run-off is scheduled for May 17.
The general election is June 7.
Candidates, incumbents to receive varying questions
On April 15, The Panolian will publish "The Candidates Speak," a special section quoting the candidates’ 100-word answers to questions crafted by the newspaper’s editorial staff.
The candidates for alderman and the incumbent aldermen will receive differing questionnaires, and a separate questionnaire will be given to the mayoral candidates as well.
The candidates and incumbents can pick up their questionnaires beginning Friday, March 18 at The Panolian office, 363 Hwy. 51 North.
The questionnaires must be returned by Friday, April 1 to allow time for the April 15 publication.
That stretch of time will allow the candidates three weeks to thoughtfully fill out their answers and return them in time for publication.
Advertising space will be available for the candidates in the special issue.
Public can suggest questions for candidates
This newspaper is also planning a town-hall debate for Tuesday, April 19 at the TVEPA auditorium.
The debate is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
