A new kind of debate

The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Legislative Committee is excited to announce a collaboration with Waseca High School’s American Government and Political Sciences classes to host upcoming candidate debates. Chamber executive director Ann Fitch states this partnership will modify the longstanding WHS Coffee Break Debates program and “create an even more valuable community event that will benefit the voters of our area.”

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to enhance the debate format,” said Mikhail Rostislavovich, legislative committee chair and chamber vice president. “We’re introducing a rebuttal period for candidates, as well as a segment for questions from the audience, which will lead to more dynamic and informative discussions.”  In the past, debates were held during the school day and had significant time limitations due to student class schedules.  

In another effort to increase community engagement, the debates will be held in the evening at the high school’s Performing Arts Center, providing more opportunities for residents to attend and participate in the democratic process. “This partnership will continue to be a valuable educational benefit to our senior students. They will have the chance to work with multiple community leaders and contribute to the process of providing voters the opportunity to get to know the candidates and issues on an even deeper level,” observed John Hanson, head of the Waseca High School social studies department.

The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Waseca Public Schools invite all community members to attend these important events. “The Chamber has a long history of working closely with the school district,” stated Fitch. “We are thrilled to take on this endeavor with them and give students an opportunity to learn more outside of the classroom.”

The mayoral debate will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, between incumbent mayor Randy Zimmerman and candidate Milton Madson. On deck at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 will be newcomer candidates for the Minnesota House District 19B seat, Edel Fernandez (D) and Tom Sexton (R). Candidates for city council wards I and II will debate from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 22; after a short break, candidates for ward III will be in the limelight beginning at 8 p.m. Ward I debaters will be incumbent Stacey Schroeder and challenger Adam Jensen. Vying to represent Ward II will be Gary Conrath, Marty Johnson, and Nicholas Meister. In Ward III, the audience will hear from incumbent Mark Christiansen, and candidates Theresa Rieke, Chad Schlueter, and Koby Wright. 

The Legislative Committee of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce aims to foster effective communication and collaboration between the Chamber, local businesses, and all levels of government. By organizing key events and facilitating engagement with policymakers, the committee ensures that the voices of our members are heard and considered in legislative processes. 

In addition to collaborating with Waseca Public Schools on these newly formatted debates, the committee will also be hosting a “State of the City” address at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, a “State of the County” address at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 19; and a “State of Education” address at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 10. All of these events will be at the Performing Arts Center at Waseca Jr/Sr High School, 1717 2nd St NW.