The Crossville City Council continues to make the news but this time in a different light. Tonight, the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce will hold its’ Candidate Forum at the Cumberland County Playhouse. According to a press release, seven of the eight candidates running for two seats on the city council have agreed to participate. Each candidate will be given a two-minute introduction and permitted a two-minute closing statement. Eight questions were selected by the Chamber’s Public Policy Council on Friday and were immediately provided to each candidate. Chamber President, Brad Allamong explained, “We did receive a number of questions from the public, but in the time available, the questions had to be condensed down to key topics that appeared in many of the public’s greatest areas of concern.” The Forum format does not lend itself to a “candidate debate”; but, more of an opportunity for the candidates to present their key thoughts on how to make our community a better place. The Moderator for the event will be John Fionte and Timekeeper, Nicole Hackmann, both from the Playhouse. The Forum is sponsored by the Chamber as a public event for the community and residents who will vote in the upcoming November election. There is no fee and open to anyone wishing to attend. The event will last from 6-8 PM.

The 8 questions are:
1) What is your plan to promote economic development in our community…bring in new business?

2) Either as permanent or interim, Crossville has had a revolving door of folks serving as City Manager. Why do you think this has been the case?

3) What would you like to see done to address the needs of youth of our community?

4) What would you do to promote cooperation between the City/County and Chamber?

5) Crossville’s Main Street is the heart of our community. What would you like to see happen to keep our central business district growing and an attractive place to visit?

6) What do you see as the role of City government in addressing our local education/workforce needs?

7) How long should someone serve on the City Council?

8) What would Crossville look like in 10 years if you were to be elected?