Local teacher chosen to moderate gubernatorial forum

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Mitchell Davis will be the moderator for a Poplar Bluff Forum featuring the six Republican candidates for governor.

Davis, 23, is in his second year as an American government teacher at Poplar Bluff High School. He has been active in Republican politics and served three years as a legislative aide for former Senate president pro tem Rob Mayer of Dexter, Missouri.

Davis graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 2010 and received a bachelor's degree in history in 2014.

"I tell my students it is important to get involved in politics," Davis said. "When I was given the opportunity to be the moderator, I saw it as a another way to participate in the political process."

The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Aad Grotto facility on Kennedy Lane north of Barron Road. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and a catered dinner will be served.

Tickets for the event, sponsored by the Butler County Republican Central Committee, are $25 and are available at (573) 300-1845.

Davis and the BCRCC executive committee have selected six questions from eight possible subject areas -- taxation, economic development, crime, education and others.

"These very important questions will tell us a lot about the candidates," Davis said. "It is important to hear how the candidates respond to issues affecting all three regions of the state -- large cities, suburban communities and rural areas."

Candidates will be told the subjects in advance of the forum but not the questions.

"Questions will be of a general or philosophical nature, with preference given to current events," Davis said. "No questions will be of a personal nature."

Thirty minutes before the 90-minute forum, Davis will conduct three drawings on the stage for candidates or an authorized representative. The drawings will determine the order of opening remarks, seating positions and order of closing remarks.

Each candidate will have access to a pen, note paper and drinking water, but no prepared notes or outside materials will be permitted at the head table.