Politicians sometimes like to hide behind their titles and stay as far away from the public as possible during tough times.

When the questions start flying, some like to turn the other way and not answer.

Don't count Linton Mayor Tom Jones and City Councilman Kelly Foglesong among that group.

Both have agreed to answer live questions from the audience at the mayoral debate next month.

The Greene County Daily World announced earlier this summer it would host the mayoral debate, and I met Wednesday morning with Jones and Foglesong to discuss and finalize the ground rules.

The debate will be Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Linton-Stockton High School auditeria. It's expected to last up to two hours.

The format includes:

* An opening statement by each candidate.

* 10 questions from a moderator, and each candidate will have two minutes to answer and 30 seconds for a rebuttal.

* A 10-15 minute break.

* Questions from the audience.

* A closing statement.

* Statements from city council candidates.

This debate is important because there are many issues facing Linton, and its citizens should be informed before they vote.

Between 30-45 minutes will be allotted for the questions-from-the-audience portion of the debate. People will be allowed to take the microphone and ask a question.

The goal is to allow for as many questions as possible. Both candidates emphasized that point Wednesday. They didn't want a limit set on the number of questions asked.

Of course, the debate needs to be kept within limits, so the allotted time will more than likely be between 30-45 minutes.

Anyone can ask a question. But no one will be allowed to make personal attacks on any candidate. If something like that happens, the person will be escorted out of the auditeria by a member of the Linton Police Department.

The candidates aren't afraid to answer tough questions, and fully expect some not-so-comfortable questions to be asked.

That's OK. But even a tough question can be asked in a professional, credible fashion.

Jones, the Democrat, and Foglesong, the Republican, are looking forward to this debate. They welcome the chance to stand before the voting public and offer their opinions.

Jones will have the opportunity to let voters know what he's accomplished, and offer some insight on some topics they may not have heard about. I'm sure he will let you know what his plans are for the future.

Foglesong will get the chance to share his vision for Linton, and I'm sure he will point out some things he believes should be done differently.

The public should listen and watch the candidates closely. How Jones and Foglesong conduct themselves can be just as telling about a candidate has how they answer a question.

The mayor is the CEO of a city, and public image is very important.

This mayoral debate is for the citizens of Linton and anyone else who is concerned with what happens in Greene County's largest city.

Please attend if you can.

Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-44487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com