Bay High School's senior class and various debate classes gathered October 7th in the Bay High auditorium. They were there with questions to be answered by the candidates from the 2009 Bay Village mayoral election.

The two candidates are Debbie Sutherland and Jim Scott. Eight students had prepared various questions to ask the candidates. The topics ranged from a new recreation center, to the candidates’ opinions on issues five and six, to their views on regionalism. Both candidates were given two minutes to deliver an opening statement, then one minute to answer each question. At the end of the debate they were again given two minutes to give their closing statements.

School administrators consider the experience a positive one for students. “It was a great opportunity for the students and voters,” said Mr. Martin, Assistant Principal.

Teachers agreed with administrators on the effectiveness of the debate. “The League of Women Voters ran the show very well, and the students who submitted questions were very knowledgeable. The candidates were very professional, and it was a great interaction for the students. I am very interested to see how the students vote,” said Mr. Grossman.

The mayoral debate was set up by the League of Women Voters, who also administered the mock election at BHS.