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Neighborhood council debates format, dates for fall candidate forums
Summary
INCO members reviewed a forum plan from Ronald Arjo proposing candidate forums or debates between mid‑September and mid‑October, with rotating formats, up to four races per night, and possible co‑hosting with the League of Women Voters; the executive board will finalize details.
Ronald Arjo, vice chair of the East Village neighborhood council and a longtime moderator of INCO candidate forums, presented options for a 2026 fall candidate forum during the July 1 meeting and requested executive board direction.
Arjo recommended a timeline between about Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, with one to five sessions depending on how many offices the body chooses to cover. He said INCO's traditional strength is hosting forums for local contests not always covered elsewhere, and suggested limiting each night to roughly four offices to keep events manageable. He explained the preparation timeline typically takes two to three months and involves rotating speaking order and pre‑collecting questions.
Arjo described possible collaboration with the League of Women Voters and other moderators; he also raised the option of converting a forum to a debate format for races where candidates are willing to participate in more interactive formats. No formal decision was made; Arjo asked members to convey preferences to the executive board ahead of a forthcoming executive meeting where details will be finalized.
Next steps: executive board to review and set dates and format; Arjo and volunteers will coordinate candidate outreach and logistics if the body approves.
