Mayoral candidates debate

The Monroe County Public Library was the scene of a spirited debate between Bloomington mayoral candidates Democrat Mark Kruzan and Republican Fred Prall Tuesday night. The two argued over issues ranging from the proposed I-69 route to the proper use for the overabundance of vacant commercial space in Bloomington.\nApproximately 70 people, supporters of each candidate and undecided voters, were in attendance at the debate, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County. Kruzan and Prall responded to questions from a four-person panel of community leaders as well as questions that audience members submitted on note cards prior to the start of the debate. Responses had to be under one minute and 30 seconds, a time constraint that moderator Bob Zaltsberg, editor of The Herald Times, enforced. \nIn addition to his responses for specific questions, each candidate delivered a two-minute opening statement. From the beginning, the two candidates' speaking styles were as different as their respective backgrounds. Kruzan, former minority leader of the Indiana House of Representatives, began by stating that he was a Chicago Cubs fan, and being so he was also an eternal optimist. Relating his optimism to Bloomington, he said that he is "focused not on what is wrong with Bloomington, but what's right with Bloomington."\nPrall, a local accountant and small business owner, chose to start with a brief background of his relationship with Bloomington. He told the audience that among other community ties, he has coached over 17 youth basketball, football and soccer teams in Bloomington. Prall said although he was "not a polished public speaker," he wants to be the mayor because he thinks he can improve the future for those kids he has coached, along with the future of his own grandchildren.\nKruzan and Prall disagreed on several central issues of the debate. Panelist Jack Baker, from the Council of Neighborhood Associations, asked what the candidates' priorities would be after creating a healthy economy and job opportunities, which remains a central issue to both campaigns. Prall answered that the efficient delivery of core services such as fire and police protection were most important. He said his next priority was to get rid of extraneous city spending. Kruzan said he thinks the most important issue is investing in the quality of life in Bloomington. He cited the Buskirk-Chumley Theater renovations as a step in the right direction, and said he would focus on further improving Bloomington's already impressive arts and culture as well as tourism and education.\nWhen asked about I-69, Kruzan didn't take a position for or against the proposed plan, but said he wants to ensure it is being handled responsibly if the highway does indeed come. He said his administration would begin planning for it. Prall said I-69 "or its equivalent" is needed very badly, but first, safety issues need to be addressed.\nOne of the few issues on which both agreed was on the mayor's role in encouraging courts to form a stance on enforcing the city housing ordinance of not permitting more than three unrelated people to live in the same house. Both Kruzan and Prall said they believe they should only encourage the courts to uphold the law.\nInstead of addressing fresh questions, the candidates frequently used the time to refute the other's response to the previous question. \nOany Hasan, a 2003 IU grad and intern for Kruzan said he thought Kruzan performed well during the debate. \n"(Kruzan) gave very professional answers to questions and didn't veer too much from what was asked," Hasan said. \nJunior Exton Cordingley, a member of the IU College Republicans, attended the debate and said he liked Prall's comments advocating positive change in Bloomington. \n"Many areas of Bloomington need revitalization and a new beginning," he said.\nCordingley also said he didn't think the competitive banter between the candidates was abnormal. \n"It's healthy, it's what you need to see in a debate," he said.\nThe debate can be seen repeatedly in the coming weeks on WTIU.\n-- Contact staff writer Jenny Viviano at jviviano@indiana.edu.