The Duncanville Candidates’ Forum on Arts, Culture & Economy is a nonpartisan, issue-focused public forum designed to provide voters with insight into where candidates for Duncanville City Council stand on arts, culture, and the creative economy. To ensure a fair and respectful discussion, all candidates, attendees, and participants must adhere to the following rules.

1. Event Format & Structure

• The forum is not a debate but a structured, moderated discussion where all candidates receive equal opportunity to speak.

• The event will include:

  • Opening Statements (2 minutes per candidate)

  • Moderated Discussion (pre-selected questions; 2-minute responses per candidate)

  • Audience Q&A (pre-screened community questions; 1.5-minute responses per candidate)

  • Closing Statements (2 minutes per candidate)

• No direct rebuttals or interruptions are allowed. Candidates must focus on their own positions rather than commenting on their opponents.

2. Candidate Participation & Conduct

• All candidates who have officially filed to run for Duncanville City Council are invited to participate.

• Candidates must confirm their participation by the stated deadline to ensure proper planning.

• Each candidate will be given equal speaking time and will answer questions in a rotating order.

• Candidates must remain respectful in their responses—personal attacks, inflammatory language, or off-topic remarks will not be tolerated.

3. Audience Participation & Questions

• Community members are encouraged to submit written questions before or during the event.

• The moderator will review and select questions to ensure they are:

  • Relevant to the forum’s focus (arts, culture, and the creative economy)

  • Issue-based, nonpartisan, and respectful

  • Not targeted at a specific candidate in a way that promotes or attacks them

• Disruptions from the audience, including heckling, shouting, or interrupting speakers, will not be tolerated.

4. Moderation & Enforcement of Rules

• The moderator has full discretion to ensure the discussion remains fair, respectful, and on topic.

• Candidates or audience members who violate forum rules may receive a warning or, in extreme cases, be asked to leave the event.

5. Media & Recording Policy

• The forum will be live-streamed and recorded for public access.

• Candidates agree that their participation may be shared publicly via video, social media, and press coverage.

• Media outlets are welcome to attend but must follow event guidelines and not interfere with the proceedings.

6. Nonpartisanship & Neutrality

• The Duncanville Forum on Arts, Culture & the Economy is not affiliated with any political party, campaign, or government entity.

• Forum organizers and moderators do not endorse any candidate and are committed to maintaining a neutral and fair environment.

• Campaigning, distributing election materials, or displaying candidate signs inside the event venue is not permitted.

7. Accessibility & Public Attendance

• The forum is free and open to the public.

• Attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner.

• If accommodations are needed for accessibility, please contact in advance.

By participating in the Duncanville Forum on Arts, Culture & the Economy, candidates and attendees agree to follow these rules to ensure a productive and informative discussion for the community.