There were heated debates Tuesday night during the Coalition of Concerned Families of Selma political forum for Ward 3 and Ward 8 run-off candidates. The arguments were not between candidates, but between audience members who attended the forum.

During an intermission break after Ward 3 candidates Jean Martin and Felicia Owens “Dixon” spoke, audience members talked among themselves about why voters should choose either candidate.

The forum, held at the Performing Arts Center, gave each of the run-off candidates a chance to state their platforms and answer questions from constitutes.

Owens “Dixon” told the crowd that she was very well educated and has the confidence to take on the challenges of running the city.

When an audience member asked about her thoughts on giving the mayor appointment powers, Owens “Dixon” said she was in favor but didn’t think it should be a major issue for the council.

“If the mayor was allowed to be mayor, then appointment powers wouldn’t be the problem,” Owens “Dixon” said. “Why is it about power? We need jobs and industry here. Whey does he (Mayor James Perkins, Jr.) need all this power? The mayor is working against me. I can work with anyone, but I’m not going to be a ‘yes’ person.”

Owens “Dixon” then went on to make several complaints about local attorney Faya Rose Toure, who Owens “Dixon” claimed was spreading rumors about her.

Moderator Jasmine Pritchett reminded Owens “Dixon” about the forum rule of not making statements about people who were not present.

“The Coalition cannot state anything as being factual,” Pritchett said. “We try to help constituents be informed in an unbiased way and we asked our candidate not to discuss other people and organizations.”

After stating her platform for candidacy, Martin answered a range of questions from the audience, including why the Vaughan Smitherman Museum had a fence placed around it to finding funds for retired City of Selma employees.

Martin said she was also in favor of giving appointment powers to the mayor.

“The mayor is the CEO of this municipal government,” Martin said. “I can’t imagine him trying to work with someone he disagrees with. Compromises have to be made or appointment powers have to go to the mayor.”

Ward 8 run-off candidate James Durry did not attend the public forum, giving Jannie Venter a longer time to explain her positions and answer questions.

“The council needs to come together as one,” Venter said. “I would love to see the council come in, get rid of the silly business and focus on the city. The council needs to cut out all these executive sessions and stick to the agenda.”

Venter said she plans to promote clean-up day in Ward 8 and do something to repair the rundown homes and abandoned vehicles on the streets.