Irvin challenges Aurora candidates to debates

In three months, Aurora voters will select their mayor to lead them for the next four years.

Mayoral candidate and current Alderman-at-Large Richard Irvin suggested Tuesday that all three candidates spend those months talking and challenged them to a series of at least four debates.

Incumbent Tom Weisner will be challenged in the April 7 election by Irvin and Third Ward Alderman Stephanie Kifowit.

"Illinois is the state that was home to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, and in the spirit of those debates, I challenge my opponents to join me in standing before the people of Aurora to offer their vision for the future of our city," Irvin said. "Unlike the presidential campaign, we don't have the mass media following our every move, so we need to take advantage of every opportunity to get before the people."

Four debates would be ideal, he said, because the city is broken into quarters - north, south, east and west

"So we can talk about issues facing each of those sections or we can have four citywide debates to talk about individual topics like jobs, the local economy, ethics or a number of other things," he said.

On Tuesday evening, Irvin said he had not yet heard from his opponents but he hoped to soon.

Kifowit, however, said she also is ready to talk to the voters in a series of forums and debates.

"He doesn't have to challenge me because I'll go to any debate or forum that any organization wants to hold," she said. "The public needs as many opportunities as possible to see all three candidates standing side-by-side discussing the issues."

Calls to Weisner's campaign chairman, campaign manager and campaign headquarters were not returned Tuesday evening.