By Scott D. Johnston

For Grays Harbor News Group

The North Beach Senior Center has announced it will sponsor weekly Tuesday evening candidate debates for the five Ocean Shores City Council seats and the mayor’s office, beginning next week.

“This is an exciting campaign,” said center director Jeff Moyer. “The Senior Center hosted a ‘Meet and Greet the Candidates’ function, which was well attended. Many said they want to hear debates between the candidates.

“This debate series will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the candidates and their views. It also aligns with the information and educational components of the center’s mission.”

The first debate, set for Tuesday at 6 p.m., will feature Eric Nobel and David Linn, candidates for Council Position 7. It is planned to last approximately 90 minutes and may include time to accept citizen questions.

The format will be informal, with Moyer moderating. Two questions will be provided to each candidate prior to the debate so they can prepare their answers. Each will have an opportunity to respond.

Four additional “surprise” questions will be asked of each. Two will pertain to a plank of each candidate’s platform to allow each to explain their view and respond to the other’s. The other two questions will relate to areas of general interest as identified last February at an open public forum at the Senior Center.

The schedule for other debates will be finalized and announced soon. These events are free and open to the pulic.

The Senior Center is located at 885 Ocean Shores Blvd NW. The phone number is 360-289-2801.