Guidelines for Candidate Forums

The University Park Recreation District (UPRD) is conducting an election for two open Board of Supervisor positions in 2026. The final election date is February 17, 2026. To prepare, two in-person candidate forums will be held to give registered candidates an opportunity to present their backgrounds, relevant skills, and views on UPRD challenges. These forums also allow University Park residents to participate in a Q&A exchange.

Forum Dates and Location
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The forums will be held in the Lakeside Room of The Park Grille & Café. These events will not have virtual (Zoom) access; however, the forums will be recorded and published on the UPRD website.

Forum Format
Setup: The Lakeside Room will have a panel table with microphones for the candidates and the moderator (Election Chair). Theater-style seating will be arranged for attendees. Two standing microphones will be positioned midway along the left and right sides of the room for residents to ask questions.

Opening Statements: The moderator will begin the forum with an overview of the format and ground rules. Each candidate, in alphabetical order by last name, will have 3 minutes to make an opening statement, with a 10-second warning before time expires.

Attendee Sign-In & Question Queue: All attendees will be required to sign-in. Those who wish to ask a question of a candidate may write their name on a notecard provided by an election volunteer. All notecards will be shuffled, and names will be presented at random.
Q&A: Residents will line up at the standing microphones to ask questions. The moderator will alternate between microphones, directing questions to the candidates indicated by the resident. The moderator will ensure candidates stay on topic and allow equal time for responses.

Closing Statements: At the 1-hour, 50-minute mark, each candidate, in reverse alphabetical order, will have 3 minutes for a closing statement, with a 10-second warning before time expires.

Guidelines for Candidates
Candidates should review and follow these guidelines to ensure a fair, respectful, and informative forum:
Time Limits: Adhere to the allotted time for opening and closing statements.
Focus on Questions: Keep responses relevant to the specific question asked. Avoid unrelated topics or lengthy speeches.
Respectfulness: Do not interrupt or criticize other candidates personally. Allow others to express their views.
Clarity and Conciseness: Provide clear, direct answers that stay on topic.
Rebuttals: If you wish to address another candidate’s response, request a rebuttal. Rebuttals should focus on differences of opinion and should not escalate into personal attacks or prolonged arguments. The moderator will manage rebuttal time and ensure the discussion remains constructive.
Note: Excessive rebuttals can disrupt the forum. Use them sparingly and only for matters of significant importance.

Guidelines for Attendees asking Questions
Lot owners and residents who are asking questions are encouraged to follow these guidelines to maintain a productive and respectful forum:
Introduce Yourself: Begin your question by stating your name and the neighborhood you reside in.

Keep Questions Focused: Ask one clear question on a specific topic. Avoid multi-part questions or speeches.
Be Respectful: Do not criticize or attack candidates personally. Keep questions objective and related to UPRD issues.
Direct Questions: Indicate which candidate(s) you want to respond. Avoid asking multiple candidates different questions at the same time.
Follow-ups: If you feel a response was unclear or incomplete, you may request a
follow-up. The moderator will manage these requests to ensure they remain relevant and concise.

Additional Notes for All Participants
Time Management: The moderator will enforce time limits for all statements and responses to ensure fairness and efficiency.
Respectful Atmosphere: Applause, interruptions, or vocal disapproval are discouraged to maintain a constructive environment.
Forum Purpose: The forums aim to illuminate critical topics for UPRD’s future and provide residents with clarity on each candidate’s views and qualifications.
We thank all participants for their cooperation in making these forums productive and respectful.