Two Debates Demonstrate Democracy in Action

Utah State University will host two evenings of debate Oct. 12-13, bringing the top leaders of both parties in the Utah House of Representatives and candidates for Utah's 2nd Congressional District to its Logan campus.

Across the Aisle: A Civil Debate With Utah House Leaders | Oct. 12

Utah House Majority Leader Casey Snider and House Minority Leader Angela Romero will debate Utah's challenges and opportunities at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Eccles Conference Center.

“We are not going to agree on every issue,” Snider said. “That is the point of debate. Civility means we can have those disagreements and still work together where we agree.”

Romero added: "The best policies are made when people with different perspectives come together. We need those voices at the table to make sure all of Utah is represented. At the same time, working across differences does not require us to abandon the values that matter most. We can find common ground without losing sight of who we are or the communities we serve.”

Snider, a USU alumnus who represents Cache County's District 5, and Romero, who represents Salt Lake City's District 25, will model civil debate and discuss how leaders in Utah work together to serve the state. Brian Steed, USU vice president for government and external affairs, will moderate.

“Utahns hear a lot about what divides us. This is a chance to watch two leaders from different political parties, who are also good friends, disagree on real issues, make their case, listen to each other and still find ways to get work done for the state,” Steed said. “They show us that disagreement doesn’t have to come at the expense of friendship or respect. That’s a skill our students, and all of us, can learn from.”

The event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in attending must register online. Bags will not be permitted.

2nd Congressional District Debate | Oct. 13

The Utah Debate Commission's debate for candidates in Utah's 2nd Congressional District will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Morgan Theatre in the Chase Fine Arts Center. The debate is presented in partnership with PBS Utah and will stream live on the Utah Debate Commission YouTube channel and air on PBS Utah.

The Utah Debate Commission is a nonpartisan consortium of higher education institutions, media organizations and elected officials that organizes debates among qualified candidates for statewide and federal offices in Utah.

Registration is required to attend in person, and bags will not be permitted. For more information visit the Utah Debate Commission website.