Politics & Government

Bulova, Williams To Debate in Chariman's Race

Fairfax Chamber hosts Thursday debate at the Capitol One Conference Center.

Incumbent Democratic candidate Chairman Sharon Bulova will square off against Republican challenger Michael “Spike” Williams in a Thursday, September 15, political debate, sponsored by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

Independent candidate Will Radle was not invited to participate.  "The Chamber evaluated the race and decided to focus on the two major political party candidates," said Erin Munley, director of communications for the Fairfax Chamber.

The Chairman's Race Debate will be moderated by Bruce DuPuyt, host of NewsChannel 8’s NewsTalk.  Freddy Kunkle of The Washington Post; Steve Cahill, editor of The Fairfax Times; and Victoria Ross, reporter at The Connection Newspapers, will serve as panelists.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The moderator and panelists were selected by the Chamber because they are seasoned journalists from reputable news outlets who have great understanding of the issues facing Fairfax County," said Munley.

The debate will begin with each candidate presenting a three minute opening statement.  Questions will be asked by each panelist on a rotating basis.  "Candidate one will have 90 seconds to respond, then candidate two will have 90 seconds, then candidate one will have 30 seconds for rebuttal," said Munley.  At the end of the hour, each candidate will be given three minutes for a wrap-up.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The panelists write their own questions, which are not reviewed by the Chamber or the candidates," said Munley. "They are free to ask any questions they choose."

Fairfax Chamber President & CEO Jim Corcoran said it's important for the business community to hear the candidates' stance on issues that effect the bottom line.  "The issues that effect business most include real estate development, transportation, telecommunication, taxation, and privatization,” he said.

The debate will be held at from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the Capital One Conference Center, 1680 Capital One Drive, in McLean.  It will be preceded by an 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. networking luncheon with candidates running for office this fall and Northern Virginia business leaders.

Munley said the Fairfax Chamber has changed it's registration fee since first promoting the event.  "Registration is open to everyone at $50.  Each person who registers may bring a guest for free," she said.

Dulles Transit Partners and Northrop Grumman are sponsors of the debate, and Capital One Bank is the venue sponsor. "Sponsorships cover event costs and provide company visibility," said Munley.

The Fairfax Chamber advertises their debate as a "premier event," because it's a long-standing annual tradition. "Since 1989, the Chamber has hosted a political debate in every major statewide race for governor, every campaign for Virginia’s two U.S Senate seats, and many races for the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors," said Munley.

Fort Hunt Patch will live blog the debate on Thursday.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Greater Alexandria