This past Thursday I attended a City Council candidates forum at the Binford Middle School auditorium.
After the 2nd District candidates left, many people left also, leaving a rather sparse audience for the 5th District candidates.

As I watched and listened to challenger Montigue Magruder and incumbent Councilperson Parker C. Agelasto (third candidate and challenger Garrett Sawyer did not attend) take questions from the newscaster turned moderator, I was glad I stayed, and I was struck by how lucky the 5th District is to have these fine candidates. They both champion better schools, more financial responsibility, and increasing transparency. Agelasto shows off considerable experience and knowledge of his position, while Magruder does a great job of speaking up for different perspectives of race and economic status and doing so with passion. There are moments of real debate and clashing of ideas, but what is truly magnificent and deserves special commendation is the way that Magruder and Agelasto carry on with each other, both on and off the stage, sharing information and treating each other with mutual admiration and respect.

I told one of the other attendees that I wish both Agelasto and Magruder could be on City Council, and I meant that. This season, take heart in the 5th District’s politics and celebrate them.

(There is another 5th District City Council candidates forum this Tuesday, sponsored by the Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association. It happens at the Woodland Heights Baptist Church, 611 W 31st St., at 7 pm.)