We applaud the League of Women Voters for sponsoring a debate among the mayoral candidates. However, we are disappointed that only about 100 people out of more than 80,000 thought it necessary to come hear the candidates speak on the issues.

The six candidates on the ballot – Roger Leonard, Andy Damiani, Tom Powell, Linda Johnson, Dwight Nixon and Michael Debranski – met at the Virginia modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center to talk about education, transportation and other vital issues in the city of Suffolk.

Millions of people tuned in to television on Friday night to watch the debate between presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain. Only about 100 people came to Thursday night’s mayoral forum.

Only 100 out of 80,000 is quite simply abysmal. Granted, there’s no place in Suffolk where every single citizen could come and hear the candidates. And also granted, the weather was dangerous to travel in for most of the evening. But how many more people would have shown up if it was a clear night? Was it really the weather, or do people just not care?