On Sept. 11, Nashvillians will head to the polls to choose a new mayor. More and more voters are under the age of 35, so this Saturday's debate was put on for young people, by young people at Vanderbilt University. NewsChannel 5's Rhori Johnston moderated the debate with the help of Vicki Yates from the audience.
Watch the Entire Debate HereThe debate was put on by a bi-partisan group of young professionals. Both candidates started the debate spelling out the issues and what their priorities were.
The two candidates vary greatly, but the two men share in their commitment to make public education and public safety their top two priorities. The hour-long debate was civil for the most part, but things heated up when the candidates talked about raising taxes.
Young Democrats and Young Republicans targeted voters under the age of 40 with this debate, but both parties insist candidates must do their fair share of recruiting too.
"You're dealing with people who are in school, who have two or three jobs, trying to make the rent or the mortgage. Responsibilities come first. So it's difficult to get the young people to the polls. It's a lot of other things they have to take care of first," said Addison Pate, a Davidson County Young Democrat.
"When I'm elected there will be a new administration. It will be the Dean administration, and there will be new faces. There will be a new finance director, a new law director, a new deputy mayor. There will be new people involved and young blood involved in this administration," said Karl Dean.
"This is a young people's paradise, Nashville. Young people are moving here from everywhere, not only from the U.S. but from abroad. We have truly been found out about. We have a brand name. What is it? Music City USA. We need to expand on that as well," said Bob Clement.
Forums like these can sway a vote. Especially in a race that is so close. One third of all registered voters in Davidson County are under the age of 35. Only roughly 15 percent of that age group practices the right to vote.
Last week Karl Dean and Bob Clement touched on everything from public safety to homelessness. Clement made a firm commitment that there would be no higher property taxes on his watch. Dean, on the other hand, said though he hopes for no new taxes, he will not be held to that promise.
In this race that is certain to be tight, both Clement and Dean are vying for the support of former Vice Mayor Howard Gentry. Gentry came in third place in the run for Mayor this year.
For the most part, last week's debate was very civil and to the point until the candidates did a little nit-picking about who has spent the most time in Nashville over the past 25 years.
