Mayor Richard M. Daley should debate his opponents in the upcoming municipal election. Most young people in Chicago have never witnessed a mayoral debate in their lifetimes. The mayor has a responsibility to these youth to demonstrate that Chicago is a healthy democracy where candidates for public office share their views and ideas in public debates.
Since 1995, when the City of Chicago took over the management of Chicago Public Schools, the scope of the mayor’s job has increased. The mayor is a role model to students and teachers across the city. He has a responsibility to help prepare our young people for their duties as active, thoughtful and ethical citizens. Public debates are essential to a healthy political process and transparent election system. The mayor needs to show Chicago youth that he is confident in discussing his record and vision for the future on stage with his opponents.
If the mayor does choose to ignore the advice of his advisers and decide to debate, I suggest he invites young people to be the audience. This mayoral race is about their future.
