With Election Day only a little more than a month away, the battle to choose our next leader has taken some decidedly San Francisco twists and turns. Shenanigans of all shapes and sizes have ensued, from booing sessions and attack ads to karaoke nights and Chewbacca on a bicycle.
But nothing pleases the local politico more than a good old-fashioned debate, and as such, candidates have strutted their positions all over the city, at forums that have focused on everything from arts programs to the benefits of open government. Next Thursday, October 6 marks the mother of such forums, as every single mayoral contender will take the stage at the Commonwealth Club's Inforum debate in an effort to woo voters.
Huffington Post San Francisco is thrilled to co-sponsor the event, which will feature the likes of the heavy hitters (Ed Lee, Dennis Herrera, David Chiu), the lesser-knowns (Tony Hall, Phil Ting, Wilma Pang) and even the utter fringe (Emil Lawrence? Paul Currier?). Two of our favorite local media mavens (and HuffPost bloggers!), Beth Spotswood and Melissa Griffin, will moderate. The 16 candidates will be grilled on all topics in every format imaginable -- there's even a "lightning round."
Sound thrilling? We thought so. And we want you to be a part of it!
Ever wanted to know what John Avalos thinks of the crumbling Market Street bike lane? How about Ed Lee's plans for the future of Burning Man? Or Dennis Herrera's real opinion of the Chinatown subway project? Or if Leland Yee would ever actually force a nudist to sit on a damn towel? Or what Joanna Rees' plans for the America's Cup? Whatever questions you have for the mayoral hopefuls, we're dying to hear them.
Over the course of this week, we encourage readers to submit their best questions to the candidates in the comments section of this article, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter using the hashtag #inforumsf. We'll choose the top ones next week, when you'll have a chance to vote on your favorites. The authors of the top three questions -- revealed next Wednesday, October 5 -- will be invited to the debate to ask the candidates in person.
In the mean time, you can learn more about the event and score tickets here. But we all know winning something is better than buying something, so what are you waiting for? Send us your best questions now!
(Special thanks to the Commonwealth Club's Inforum for letting us join in the fun.)