Bulova, Williams Face Off In Chairman Debate

Incumbent Democratic candidate Chairman Sharon Bulova will square off against Republican challenger Michael “Spike” Williams Thursday in a debate sponsored by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

The debate will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Capital One Conference Center, 1680 Capital One Drive, in McLean.  It will be preceded by an 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. networking luncheon with candidates running for office this fall and Northern Virginia business leaders.

Independent candidate Will Radle was not invited to participate. 

"The Chamber evaluated the race and decided to focus on the two major political party candidates," said Erin Munley, director of communications for the Fairfax Chamber.

The Chairman's Race Debate will be moderated by Bruce DuPuyt, host of NewsChannel 8’s NewsTalk. Freddy Kunkle of The Washington Post, Steve Cahill, editor of The Fairfax Times; and Victoria Ross, reporter at The Connection Newspapers, will serve as panelists.

The debate will begin with each candidate presenting a three minute opening statement.  Then, questions will be asked by each panelist on a rotating basis.  The candidates will have 90 seconds each to respond, and the first candidate will have 30 seconds for rebuttal. At the end of the hour, each candidate will be given three minutes for a wrap-up.

The panelists write their own questions. They are not reviewed by the chamber or the candidates, Munley said.

Fairfax Chamber President and CEO Jim Corcoran said it's important for the business community to hear the candidates' stance on issues that effect the bottom line. 

"The issues that effect business most include real estate development, transportation, telecommunication, taxation, and privatization,” he said.

Registration is open to everyone at $50 and each person who registers may bring a guest for free, Munley said. Dulles Transit Partners and Northrop Grumman are sponsoring the debate.

Check back with Patch on Thursday as it live blogs the debate.