Acklin Asks for Debates

Pittsburgh independent mayoral candidate Kevin Acklin has sent a letter to Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl asking him to agree to a series of four debates. Acklin says one would be aired by each of the major TV stations in the city. He says as he has been knocking on doors campaigning he has learned that voters want to ask the questions that are most important to them and that is why he wants at least two of the debates to use a town hall format. Though Mayor Ravenstahl has not yet officially received the request he says he is willing to debate. However he says it is too early to be making plans. Ravenstahl notes that the filing deadline has not even been reached and there could be more candidates on the ballot. Acklin says any additional candidates could be invited once they file their paperwork. (Ravenstahl will be listed as both the Democrat and Republican candidate) Acklin says he knows the mayor will be busy with the G20 in September so now is the time to set the dates. Acklin says this election is far too important to the future of the city to not have a series of debates.