Council forum to be held Thursday

By Bernard Baker

Published: April 30, 2008

Danville voters have one more chance to hear City Council candidates’ views on jobs, crime and transportation, among other issues, before going to the polls Tuesday.

A forum will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at National College on Old Riverside Drive.

“This may be the last formal opportunity to ask questions of the candidates before the May 6 election. The turnout at the American Legion and the Hardee’s forum was small,” Sheila Baynes, chairwoman of the Danville Democratic Committee, said Tuesday.

“We are hoping that people will realize the election is upon us, and that choosing our local governing body members is one of the most important things we can do. No other body has as much effect on our everyday life in Danville.”

All candidates, except Councilman T. David Luther, plan on attending the event. Luther won’t participate because he sees the forum as a partisan political event.

Challenger Fred Shanks almost didn’t attend for the same reason, but said he wants people to know why he’s running.

Baynes said the upcoming forum will be different from others held in Danville.

“This forum is different from the American Legion one in that there will be no closing statement by the candidates and audience questions will not be written down,” Baynes said. “This will allow candidates to personally follow-up with a questioner should they wish to.”

Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.