On multiple occasions, both candidates have taken photos together. This photo from May was taken to show the good nature of the race. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

On Monday, Sept. 30, Republican incumbent Dean Fisher of Montour will debate his Democratic challenger Tommy Hexter of Grinnell as both are vying for the District 53 seat in the Iowa House. Hosted by the Tama-Toledo branch of the American Association of University Women, the event will take place at the Tama American Legion beginning at 6 p.m.

Both candidates have agreed on topics from the following list: Budget/taxes, CO2 pipeline and eminent domain, Education: ESA and AEA, Water quality and the environment, Gender identity, and abortion access. In addition to the previously mentioned topics, three audience questions will be asked. The AAUW asks that submitted questions pertain to topics outside of those previously addressed in the debate.

In the agreed-upon format, Moderator Joanna Hofer will bring up a topic and a candidate will have three minutes to discuss the topic before a one minute rebuttal from the opponent. By request of the candidates, the questions are broad. Both candidates met and discussed how they wanted to debate to play out, with the format reflecting their joint decisions.

Both candidates have some level of public speaking experience. Hexter, in an interview with the News Chronicle, spoke of his time in a debate class while in school. Fisher mentioned his experience comes from town halls, forums, and similar campaign events in his time as a public servant.

When asked about their relationship, both candidates said they have had friendly and decent interactions with each other.

Flier released by the AAUW to advertise the event, put together by Karen Mixdorf. The AAUW is a nonpartisan organization focusing on equity for women and girls.

“We have a cordial relationship. We know we are in a competition for this House seat, but that has not stopped us from having some good conversations on the issues,” Fisher said.

Hexter gave a similar answer.

“We have more in common than people might think. I’ve become friends with Dean and we have a good relationship. I’m excited to have an open and civil dialog about politics, I will stay away from the political divide,” he said.

In what may be final public remarks before the debate, both candidates were excited to share their vision for House District 53.

“I’m excited, it’s so important to hear from constituents in the district. We’ll address policy ideas in public. I’m ready to share our bold new vision next week at the debate,” Hexter said.

Fisher, who was first elected in 2012, gave a short but impactful response.

“I’m looking forward to a good exchange on the ideas and highlighting the differences between my opponent and I,” he said.

Special thanks to Karen Mixdorf with the Tama-Toledo AAUW for talking to and providing information to the News Chronicle.