Local politicians will sound off on the stakes and importance of the next U.S. presidential election when Parkland College hosts its first "Mock Presidential Debate," sponsored by Parkland Student Government and First State Bank, on Tuesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Parkland Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing, Bill Houlihan, downstate director for Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, and Champaign County Clerk Gordy Hulten are scheduled to speak before the debate begins. Then, at 7:30 p.m., two Parkland students will debate the differing positions of candidates for President of the United States to the college and the community. A faculty panel will ask debate questions, including Dr. Willie Fowler, Political Science, Julie Weishar, Communication, and David Lemons, Political Science.
The students in the debate had been selected during early semester auditions to represent the respective sides for president at this debate. The winner will receive a $500 prize during a reception on the theatre stage which follows the hourlong debate.