Bee, PowerTalk team up to present Fresno mayoral debate

The top three candidates running to become Fresno’s next mayor will face off in a two-hour debate sponsored by The Bee and PowerTalk 96.7 FM/AM 1400 on May 25.

Fresno City Councilman Lee Brand, Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea and business owner/educator H Spees will answer questions at the debate from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pardini’s Catering & Banquets, 2257 W. Shaw Ave. The debate will be broadcast live on the two PowerTalk stations.

Moderators will be Fresno Bee political reporter John Ellis, Bee opinion page editor Bill McEwen and PowerTalk afternoon host Trevor Carey.

The debate is open to the public at no charge. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

PowerTalk is asking its listeners to submit questions for the candidates through its website, www.powertalk967.com.

“This is a crucial mayoral election and voters need to hear from the candidates in as many forums as possible,” said Jim Boren, The Bee’s executive editor. “This debate will have two of the most experienced political journalists in the region asking the questions, and will be moderated by one of the best talk show hosts in the business.”

PowerTalk program director Jay Bohannon described previous debates as “spirited exchanges” representing “live and local radio at its best.”

“Partnering with The Fresno Bee for this vital debate is an integral part of our mission to present … meaningful discussion on the most important local issues facing our community,” Bohannon said.

In addition to airing on PowerTalk’s AM and FM stations, the debate will be available live on the station’s website and on iHeartRadio.com, and on the iHeartRadio mobile app.

This story was originally published May 14, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Bee, PowerTalk team up to present Fresno mayoral debate."