Candidates Taylor Knuth and Ben Nadolski presented their competing visions for the future of Ogden during a mayoral debate held on Oct. 31, 2023. The special program, which focused on policy and municipal planning, was a collaborative production between Weber State University’s Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service, KUER, and PBS Utah.
Candidates Discuss Ogden Policies
The debate, titled "Utah Issues: 2023 Ogden Mayoral Debate," lasted approximately 59 minutes and featured a moderated discussion regarding the candidates' specific plans for the city. Caroline Ballard of KUER served as the moderator for the session, guiding the conversation between Knuth and Nadolski.
Debate Format and Presentation
According to the program details provided by PBS Utah, the debate was designed to offer a deeper understanding of the candidates' perspectives and provide a critical conversation regarding the city's trajectory. The broadcast included closed captioning for accessibility and was made available through the PBS app and pbs.org.
The Role of Walker Institute
The production of the debate was supported by Weber State University’s Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service. The institute, which is part of Weber State University, works to cultivate civic dispositions within both the student population and the broader community. Its mission includes fostering attitudes such as political efficacy, civic empathy, civic duty, and civic confidence.
Legacy of Olene S. Walker
The Walker Institute was established by Olene S. Walker, who served as Utah’s 15th governor and was the state's first female governor. The institute aims to encourage engagement in dialogue across differences and promotes political engagement for Weber State University students. The organization also manages initiatives like "Weber State Talks," which focuses on developing skills for civil conversation, and "Weber::State Votes," which facilitates non-partisan voter registration and mobilization.
Civic Education and Internships
Beyond hosting political debates and civic events, the Walker Institute provides academic courses and supports civic education both on and off campus. The institute also provides VOTE certification for election officials in Utah. For students, the organization offers internship opportunities designed to provide real-world experience outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Promoting Voter Engagement
The 2023 mayoral debate remains part of the historical archive of Utah Issues, a program presented by the Walker Institute, KUER, and PBS Utah. The institute continues to promote the idea that every voice and vote matters, encouraging eligible members of the Weber State community to utilize voter registration portals to participate in the democratic process.
