The one and only Special Election Mayoral Debate took place last night at the Cinniapolis State Auditorium. Thursday night’s debate lasted nearly 3 hours giving voters plenty to consider before votes are cast in 11 days.

Coming into the night’s debate, polling showed Mayor Gondola leading the pack with Oliver Roseman a close second followed by Justine Wellington polling third and Waldo Penney and Arn Murphy well behind the top 3 candidates. Most had picked Mr. Murphy as the top challenger when the candidates were announced. But, Mr. Murphy has shown little interest in public appearances or discussing his policies for Cinniapolitans.

The debate began shortly after 7:00 pm local time and lasted until close to 10:00 pm. Here are the three major takeaways from Thursday night’s debate:

Climate
One constant is Mayor Gondola’s current term has been a major pivot to commissioning climate change studies. For several years, his predecessor (and father) refused to acknowledge climate change. His son, however, may be the exact opposite. Before the pandemic, Mayor Gondola’s administration was on pace to spend a record amount of funds towards climate studies. This topic was heavily debated among the candidates.

“All the money recklessly spent on studying the climate would have come in handy when you illegally chose to shutdown our city because of the virus,” Mr. Penney alleged. “Businesses would have had a chance then. I want Cinniapolitans to think of Mayor Gondola’s ineptness whenever they see shuttered windows or vacant properties.”

Mayor Gondola defended his administration’s position, “When you’re not a steward of science, it can be difficult to grasp basic logic. My priority at the start of the pandemic and my position to this day is to save lives, not to save businesses. Businesses can be replaced. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends cannot be replaced.” He also offered new information on a recently concluded climate study. “Our team’s research proves that warming global temperatures allowed the virus to thrive and spread faster than any virus in the history of the world. So, forgive me, if my policies are intended to save lives and not businesses.”

Mr. Roseman also took aim at the incumbent Mayor, addressing rumors around forced power outages. “Mayor Gondola will not hesitate to turn out your lights, if elected again. You heard him, he’s all about saving lives. Even if that means sapping the power to your homes, to your alarm systems. His master is the planet and he is its servant. Let’s vote him out in favor of a candidate that puts people and their livelihoods first.”

Mayor Gondola denied these claims, which led to an intense back-and-forth between the top two polling candidates. “Mr. Roseman spews non-truths about enforced power outages. This is not my plan nor has it ever been a part of my plan. It’s just a whack-a-doo rumor with zero substance.”

Mr. Roseman fired back, “Please stop insulting us, Mayor. You played willy-nilly with the Walesburg electricity when your failed electric snowplows needed constant charging to keep up with the snow fall. You have proven time and again that Mayor Gondola’s image comes first. This city needs a Mayor who will put their ego aside and always do what’s best for the city.”

Crime
The next Mayor of Cinniapolis will have to contend with rising crime and fearless criminals. When speaking on the subject of crime, Ms. Wellington came out the strongest. “Our city is more criminal than law-abiding. Windows are smashed, cars are jacked, properties are burned, and there is no end in sight. If I’m elected Mayor, we will return order to Cinniapolis immediately.”

She received little resistance from the other candidates on this topic. However, Mayor Gondola, who oversaw the disbandment of Cinniapolis Police Department (CPD) in 2021, disagreed with the level of crime plaguing Cinniapolis. “These are exaggerations. There is crime but it’s at the same level it has been for decades. Nowadays, there is more media, more access, more crimes that are visible to the public through different media platforms. This creates hysteria and hyperbole about rising crime. The biggest difference now is the men and women in uniform aren’t contributing to criminal activity as they had for several years,” he said, referencing the corrupt cops from CPD.

Mr. Murphy made his strongest impression of the night when speaking about crime, referencing his own attack last Fall. “I was the victim of assault and my family has had to suffer break-ins and arson at our business properties. This issue is very personal to me and my family. Mayor Gondola is in cahoots with major criminal enterprises damaging our city. It’s no coincidence Mayor Gondola’s and City Manager Wellington’s properties were untouched by vandals. It’s because they paid for these thugs to intimidate us. Well, it didn’t work. When I’m elected Mayor, I will personally see to it that criminals have no place in Cinniapolis.”

Gondola and Murphy Influence Factor
At one point or another during the debate, each candidate raised the topic of the Gondola and Murphy families influence over nearly all of Cinniapolis. However, none of the candidates found a moment to team up on Mayor Gondola or Mr. Murphy. Mr. Roseman mentioned all of his business permits and licenses have a Gondola or Murphy family member’s signature on it insinuating there is a professional ceiling in this city, “Unless you have one of two last names in this city, your opportunities are capped. I’m trying to break through. Let’s elect a new name. Let’s begin a new chapter in Cinniapolis without the Gondolas or Murphys asleep at the wheel.”

Mr. Penney quickly pounced on Mr. Roseman’s statement, “My friend Mr. Roseman is correct. These folks running the city and our city’s major businesses have been in power far too long. But, I can’t help but wonder why Mr. Roseman is parroting the same talking points as the lowlifes in Private Citizens. Perhaps, he is their leader,” said Mr. Penney. Mr. Roseman could only laugh off the accusation, “I’d have to be incredibly stupid to hire a group to damage my property. That is wild,” he said.

Mr. Gondola had the final word on these matters, even suggesting admiration for the Murphys. “Look, it’s no secret the Gondola family built this city. From its first school to the post office to the church, it’s only right that a descendant of this family oversees the continued growth and success of Cinniapolis. A vote for me is a vote for progress, stability, security, and structure. The Murphys arrived in Cinniapolis with nearly nothing and look what they’ve grown into. None of their growth is possible without Gondola leadership of Cinniapolis.”

Conclusion
As the only debate of the shortened campaign season, all candidates represented themselves well. However, the debate offered little insight regarding the specific policies of each candidate. It more closely resembled a high profile performance review of Mayor Gondola. If the election was decided by the 4 challengers, Cinniapolis would have a new Mayor this Spring. But, it will be decided by the people, who have elected a Gondola to the Mayor’s office for the past 70 years.