- Watch the debate online and read a recap of what the candidates discussed
- Watch a replay of the debate on TV on Oct. 4 at 3:06 a.m.
- Head to Facebook and Twitter (using the hashtag #debate3) to see what Memphians were talking about during the events with WREG’s Adam Hammond and April Thompson
- Read a play-by-play of the debate below
Thanks for joining us!
Early voting starts Sept. 18 and goes until Oct. 3. Election day is Oct. 8. Go out and vote, Memphis!
On Collins: “I think he gained a lot tonight.” — Otis Sanford “He came out swinging, and I think he made a case for himself.” — Stephanie Scurlock Zaneta Lowe agrees, adding that he spoke cleanly to the public at home, not just the other candidates and moderators. “Harold Collins started out strong and finished strong.” — Richard Ransom
Collins used a number of references that highlighted his Whitehaven residency, WREG’s Zaneta Lowe says.
WREG’s April Thompson and Adam Hammond didn’t see many viewers bring up the issue of race on social media. WREG’s Otis Sanford said Collins “made an overture” to the subject when he talked about improving African-American businesses.
Strickland needs to reach out more to the black community and Collins needs to reach out more to the white community to get more votes, WREG’s Richard Ransom says.
Education is also a big priority for Memphians, which ties into many other issues. WREG’s Otis Sanford says he doesn’t see the candidates talking too much about this issue, though.
WREG’s Stephanie Scurlock thinks Wharton gave a good, positive picture of his vision of Memphis.
WREG’s Zaneta Lowe appreciated that Wharton answered the question about minimum wage directly. However, Strickland danced around the issue and went back and forth.
Tennessee has the highest proportion of minimum-wage workers in the country at 6.8 percent (national average is 3.9 percent).
Viewers acknowledge that businesses are coming in, but the jobs aren’t paying enough.
“Harold Collins is poised to gain the most.” — WREG’s Otis Sanford
Our panels discusses Strickland’s plan to bring people back to the inner-city, referencing Cleveland’s program to give incentives to live in blighted areas. WREG’s Richard Ransom and Otis Sanford note that Wharton has tried to fight the issue of blight. “I do give him credit to that, but there needs to be more done.” — Sanford WREG’s Adam Hammond mentions blight didn’t come up as a top priority for viewers on Facebook.
Memphis has not had a national search for a police director in a long time, rather we have had directors who have moved up through local ranks.
WREG’s April Thompson liked Collins calling out Wharton for promising to do things “in the first 100 days” but not following through. “We may not hear candidates say those words again.” — Thompson
WREG’s Richard Ransom notes Wharton’s criticism of other candidates while not acknowledging weaknesses of his own.
Our panel seems to think each candidate debated well overall.
WREG’s Otis Sanford: Candidates aren’t addressing enough how to keep graduates and educated workforce in city
Strickland did better when he stepped away from statistics and just “talked as a person,” notes WREG’s Zaneta Lowe.
Strickland’s focus on crime was reflected in what Memphians wanted to hear about, says WREG’s Adam Hammond.
WREG’s Otis Sanford says Collins had to “come out swinging” and make a good impression. Sanford says he thinks Collins did that and made a valid case about bringing in both high- and lower-paying jobs.
“The vast majority of people want change,” Strickland says after hearing your questions.
“People love our city,” Collins says. “We know we have a great city, we’re just looking for new ways, a new avenue for the people to grow.”
Strickland says it’s difficult to talk fully about issues in a minute, but thinks each candidate did well.