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The University of Scranton on Thursday, Oct. 16, hosted its first of two political debates during this year\u2019s general election cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n Scranton Mayor and Democratic nominee Paige Cognetti, Republican nominee Trish Beynon and independent candidates Gene Barrett and Rik Little participated in the Scranton Mayoral Debate at the PNC Auditorium inside Loyola Science Center. A nearly standing room-only crowd attended the debate, in addition to thousands more who watched <\/span>a livestream recorded by ECTV<\/span><\/a> and carried by other media outlets.<\/span><\/p>\n The hourlong event was presented by the University\u2019s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS). The CEEPS director, Brian Snee, Ph.D., moderated the debate.<\/span><\/p>\n Three journalists \u2014 Donnie Collins of the Times-Tribune, Elizabeth Haikes of Fox 56 and Borys Krawczeniuk of WVIA \u2014 served as panelists, asking the nominees questions. The debate also featured presidents of the University\u2019s College Democrats and Republicans greeting and introducing the nominees. <\/span>Grace Lennox<\/span><\/strong>, of Peckville, is a political science and philosophy double major and College Democrats president. <\/span>Philip Huffman<\/span><\/strong>, of Scranton, is a political science and history double major and College Republicans president.<\/span><\/p>\n The University will host another debate at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, when Lackawanna County Commissioner nominees take the stage at the Pearn Auditorium inside Brennan Hall.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n