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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>For years, the candidate forums for Moscow
elections have been as useful and meaningful as beauty pageants.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The candidates parade in, are allowed one or two
minutes to offer virtually identical speeches about our quality of life and
planning for growth and attracting high-wage jobs. A few
carefully-controlled questions later, everybody goes home, and the voters have
learned very little about the candidates' priorities and values.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>This year, it looks like we will actually have a
real debate. The Daily News is sponsoring a forum that will provide the
time for candidate questioning and interaction. We will really be able to
assess the candidates. My thanks to the Daily News for making this
possible.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The Daily News forum is scheduled for Thursday, Oct
20 at the Kenworthy. 6pm for the council candidates for 2 year term, 7pm for
mayor candidates, and 9pm for council candidates for 4 year
term.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>