OBSERVED: The rules of engagement

Putting on my dad hat here: I’m not mad; I’m just disappointed.

And if I didn’t think our upcoming Orange County Commission District 1 Debate was necessary and important for our community, I’d cancel it, turn this car right around and go home.

The vitriolic behavior I have witnessed online and on social media — all pertaining to one local county race, no less — is not “satire.” It isn’t funny, and it isn’t emblematic of the community I call home. 

West Orange and Southwest Orange are supposed to be special places. We are active in working together to keep our neighborhoods safe, beautiful and desirable. We champion small businesses and delight in their successes. And we care for one another.

That’s why the Observer chose to set up shop here. That’s why we all either chose to move here or decided to stay.

So, when the political antics of our national stage infect our community, it doesn’t sit right with me.

Because of this, in advance of our Wednesday, July 31, event featuring District 1 Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson and challenger Austin Arthur, it is imperative we discuss a few ground rules.

The goal of our debate is to give both candidates a chance to speak directly to our community. They both should be afforded respect as they detail their visions for the future of West Orange and Southwest Orange. 

Through our questions, we will press them on specific issues and topics of local importance. The candidates will not know the questions beforehand. This is not a partisan race; therefore, we will not delve into anything of the sort.

For those who secured tickets to be a part of our live audience: No disruptions will be permitted. This includes — but is not limited to — yelling, shouting, interrupting, threats or threatening gestures, and signs or props of any kind. Anyone causing a disruption will be removed so the debate can continue unimpeded. Remember: The purpose of this debate is to give our community a chance to hear from both candidates so they can head to the polls with requisite knowledge.

In-person audience members will be given a ticket upon entry, which they can use at the end to vote for their candidate of choice as they leave. 

We at the Observer Media Group are blessed to have this opportunity to host this debate, the outcome of which we believe will have long ramifications for the future of our communities. We thank our candidates for the time and effort they spend working for the betterment of our home. We also thank our presenting sponsor, Orlando Health; host sponsor, Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine; and livestream sponsor, Chris Chan Media. And of course, we thank you, our readers, for taking an interest in our communities and being an integral part of what makes them so special.

I look forward to a lively, informative and respectful evening. See you there.