As the race for Bentonville’s next mayor continues, incumbent Mayor Stephanie Orman and local businessman Steve Galen will debate on DWTN Now. In a collaboration with 5NEWS, the 30 minute, unedited debate will air on the CBS affiliate, Sunday, October 6th at 10:30am and re-air October 20th at the same time. The debate promises to cover topics important to all Bentonville voters, including but not limited to, future vision, infrastructure, and affordable housing. The format promises to allow each candidate to respond to questions, and offer rebuttals.

This special edition of DWTN Now will be moderated by Dana Schlagenhaft and Aaron Nolan.  Schlagenhaft is a Bentonville native with a professional background that includes eight years as a Northwest Arkansas television reporter, producer and anchor. Nolan is proud to call Bentonville home after moving around the country. He is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who spent nearly 17 years as both a National and Local News Anchor.

DWTN Now is a television show fully produced by Downtown Bentonville Incorporated, a non-profit 501c3 with the mission of building community and enhancing the downtown Bentonville experience for everyone.

“This debate brings deep discussions about our city straight into the homes of every member of our community. We believe all residents should gain access to the leaders of our city and their visions for the future,” said Kirk Gober, chairman of the DBI board.  “Our priority is to educate and allow residents to make their own informed decisions.”

“5NEWS is proud to air this important debate impacting Bentonville’s future and the growth of our region.,” said Van Comer, 5NEWS General Manager.

DWTN Now is a weekly show, focused on Bentonville through compelling storytelling.  The show airs every Sunday on 5NEWS at 10:30am.  DWTN Now is also showcased before every screening at Skylight Cinema in Downtown Bentonville..

2024 Bentonville Mayoral Debate Format & Rules

First Air Date: Sunday, October 6th, 10:30 AM

Re-Air Date: Sunday, October 20th, 10:30 AM

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Candidates will receive debate topics in advance but not specific questions. A coin flip will determine speaking order and moderators will alternate from that point on. Questions will be chosen by moderators through conversations with members of the community and will reflect the interests and concerns of the citizens of Bentonville. Topics can include the following:

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• Navigating Growth
• Cost of Living
• Small Business 
• Traffic
• Infrastructure Improvements
• Construction
• Housing Affordability
• The Job of Mayor

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Timing:

• The debate will be a 30-minute, unedited, pre-taped episode of DWTN Now with no commercial breaks.
• The full debate, including any content exceeding the 30-minute limit, will be available on YouTube, social media, the 5+ streaming app, and 5newsonline.com.

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Opening Statements:

• Each candidate will have 30 seconds for an opening introduction.

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Response Times:

• Candidates have 60 seconds to respond to questions.
• Rebuttals are limited to 30 seconds.
• At the moderator’s discretion, a 15-second re-rebuttal may be allowed.

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Materials:

• Candidates will be provided with paper and pen.
• No electronic devices or visual aids are permitted.

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Conduct:

• Candidates must maintain respect for each other and adhere to the debate format.
• Candidates may not use their speaking time to deviate from the format or topic, speak over the moderators, pose unrelated questions to or interrupt each other. 

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Closing Statements:

• Each candidate will have 60 seconds for a closing statement.
• The speaking order for closing statements will be the reverse of the opening order.

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About DWTN Now / Downtown Bentonville Inc.

DWTN Now, a television production of Downtown Bentonville Inc. (DBI), will serve as the platform for the 2024 Bentonville Mayoral Debate in collaboration with 5News. DBI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that receives limited funding through a contract with the City of Bentonville to support certain aspects of our community events. DWTN Now is not funded by the city and operates independently. Both moderators for the debate are committed to maintaining impartiality and fairness throughout the event, ensuring an unbiased discussion for all participants.

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