While strengthening the relationship between students and local residents can at times be challenging, many city council candidates believe that it is possible.

This issue was among many during last night’s candidate forum debate held at First United Methodist Church.

The debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bowling Green, American Association of University Women, Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and Undergraduate Student Government, is held annually to inform voters about current issues.

“It’s to educate voters and get more voters to the polls,” said Nicole Messmore, a member of student government.

A constant issue brought forth by many of the candidates is the need to reinforce the relationship between permanent residents and university students.

Second Ward candidate Ashley Gilbert, who is a student at the University, said communication is vital.

“Students are often looked at as the problem,” Gilbert said. “I would like to hold more town meetings [of both students and residents].”

Although Gilbert agrees that holding more town meetings isn’t the only solution that needs to be made, she believes it is a significant element in finding a resolution.

“At least it’ll be an open dialogue between concerned students and concerned citizens,” Gilbert said.

Among the candidates such as Gordy Heminger, first ward candidate, John Zanfardino, second ward councilman and Gilbert, who think this issue holds importance and that communication is key was Third Ward councilwoman Megan Newlove.

“I think it’s communication, it just keeps going back to that,” Newlove said, adding that she believes communication has improved between students and permanent residents over the past couple of years.

“Personally I’ve heard from residents on the east side of town telling me they are pursuing relationships with their [student] neighbors,” Newlove said. “We have students at council meetings and more students addressing us, I think that’s a good thing to see.”

Bowling Green employee Jana Greaser felt that the debate was informative to an extent, but there wasn’t enough time for each person to really get into the questions.

“They had limited response time, but it was nice to hear the differences in opinions,” Greaser said, adding that hearing opposing opinions helped clarify some of the issues and people’s stances on them.

Gail Greaser, an employee at the First United Methodist Church, felt that many of the questions from the audience that were chosen to be asked to the candidates by the moderator sounded the same.

“All the questions were in the same direction … there was no diversity,” Gail Greaser said.

Although many questions were similar, they demonstrated that the public, as well as the candidates, are concerned with the relationship between students and residents and everything that entails.

Newlove believes students should continue to participate in council meetings and candidate debates because their word is as important as anyone’s.

“I think [students’] input is as relevant as any others,” she added.