Debates set for District 11, municipal races

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Tribune Debate Series is entering its final stretch, bringing voters face to face with State House District 11candidates and candidates in local municipal races across Cullman County. 

Over the next two weeks, voters will have the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to lead in District 11, Hanceville, Dodge City, Vinemont, Good Hope and Cullman, including on the Cullman City Board of Education.

These debates are designed to go beyond campaign slogans, offering voters a clear look at each candidate’s vision, priorities and ability to think on their feet. 

Audience participation will be part of the process, though space is limited and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing news@cullmantribune.com. 

Full details about access and procedures will be announced prior to each debate.

Official debate rules

1. No electronic devices permitted.

2. Questions alternate so no candidate always answers first or last.

3. Opening statement is limited to 60 seconds and may be prepared.

4. Closing statements are two minutes, but must be spoken without notes.

5. One rebuttal per question, with it being 45 seconds. This detail will be explained at the debate.

6. Facts only — no accusations without proof.

7. Voters deserve substance over slogans. Talking points won’t be enough. Come prepared.

These debates are more than a stage. They are a public service. We aren’t looking for applause lines, we’re looking for clarity, commitment and leadership. 

The Tribune will continue to provide these opportunities regardless of who shows up, and we encourage voters to pay attention not just to what is said, but to who is willing to say it in public, on the record, when it matters most.

Forums are not the same as a debate.

DEBATE SCHEDULE

Alabama House District 11, along with Hanceville council and mayor

Saturday, Aug. 16

• District 11: 11:45 a.m. Alexandria Braswell (Democrat); Republican Heath Allbright had a prior commitment
• Council Place 1:  2 p.m. Steven Clint Mann and Jana Casey Shelton
• Council Place 3: 2:50 p.m. – Kim Newman Brown, Alaina Kennedy Entrekin and Jacquelin “Joe” Twiss
• Council Place 4: 4:20 p.m. Cameron Rowe  and Oscar Santiago
• Mayor: 5:30 p.m.  Paul Campbell, Christopher Johnson and Robert Eugene (Bob) Long

Good Hope, Dodge City and Vinemont councils and mayors

Tuesday, Aug. 19

Good Hope

• Council Place 1: Noon Billy Brown and Renee Lee
• Council Place 3: 1:10 p.m. Susan Robinson Eller and Preston Prewett
• Mayor: 2:15 p.m.  Jerry Bartlett and Larry Creel

Dodge City

• Council Place 2: 3:15 p.m. Heather Langley and Houston Turner
• Council Place 4: 4:15 p.m. Samantha Duke and Chayton Grimmett

Vinemont

• Council Place 3: 5:30 p.m. Marcus Callingwood and Ross Campbell
• Mayor: 6:10 p.m. Shirley Arnett and Bonnie Goodwin

Cullman City Board of Education

Thursday, Aug. 21

• Place 1: 2 p.m. Jill Bradberry and Tyler Caldwell
• Place 3: 3 p.m. Cheryl Harrison and Jessica Svarney
• Place 4: 4 p.m. Amy Wood and Wayne Walker
• Place 5: 5 p.m. Amy Carter and Mark Britton

Cullman City Council

Saturday, Aug. 23

• Council Place 1: 2 p.m. Brad Smith and Chuck Shikle
• Council Place 2: 3 p.m. David Moss and Pete Nassetta
• Council Place 3: 4 p.m. Johnny Cook and Jason Willoughby
• Council Place 5: 5 p.m. Jenny Folsom and Kim Hall

The debates will be held at the beautiful Bailey Center auditorium on the grounds of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. Thank you to our gracious host WSCC and Dr. Vicki Karolewics for believing that hearing from candidates is important. We hope to see you there.

Municipal Elections will take place Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Voters in District 11 will also see that race on the ballot that day.

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