What is the CFB’s Debate Program?
In December 1996, the New York City Council passed a law requiring candidates participating in the Campaign Finance Program who are running for citywide office (mayor, public advocate, and comptroller) to participate in a series of debates before both the primary and general elections. The law ensures that citizens are provided the opportunity to see candidates face each other in nonpartisan forums that allow for substantive discussion of the issues. Candidates deemed “leading contenders” must participate in a second debate before the election. Candidates who are not participating in the Program may be invited to debate, but are not required to take part. Although the Debate Program is administered by the CFB, the debates themselves are sponsored by various media, educational, and civic groups and are broadcast on television and radio citywide. Debates for the 2009 elections will be held beginning in August of that year. A schedule of these debates will be posted in the summer of prece
