Police protection at the candidate’s debate

Tomorrow at 8AM the Duluth Tribune will be one of the hosts for a series of candidate “debates” at the Underground Theater at Duluth’s Depot. They are open to anyone interested in attending and tomorrow’s session will have the six school board candidates. Other races will be covered in later debates.

Our school board’s paranoia about audiences has now thoroughly infected the Duluth News Tribune. They will have police present to assure no one messes with their political debates for this year’s candidates. If you come you will be safe. I know because Alanna shared the email she was sent by the Trib:

Harry

See the bolder portion below.

Seriously? Police presence? What am I suppose to be scared of? Am I safe going to a candidate forum?
Why in the world would this be included in an email to candidates and the chamber?

Am I just that naive about politics in Duluth?

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Chuck Frederick
Date: Friday, September 18, 2015
Subject: Details About the Candidate Forums
To: All candidates
………..
No outbursts from the audience (or among the candidates) will be tolerated. The Speak Your Peace Initiative is participating to encourage civil proceedings.
Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay has been made aware of these forums; police presence is at his discretion.

My reply:

Alanna,

Sheesh. Talk about an abundance of caution!

I guess they are afraid that civility will escape without a police presence to reign it in.

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