April 1st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Association of Student Councils (ACASC) hosted its first-ever Presidential Debate at the Career Center on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Five candidates, representing Democrats and Republicans, had the opportunity to discuss and debate several hot topics facing the nation.

               Participants included Reid Buskirk, Mountain Ridge (D), Clay Hoover, Allegay (R), Dylan Spano, Fort Hill (D), Jordan Kight, Mountain Ridge (R), and Nathan Bruck, Allegany (D). Topics discussed included climate change, gun control, Social Security, social issues, defense, Government size, death penalty, and economics.

               Each candidate was judged on their posture, knowledge and speech by a panel of guest judges. Judges included Dr. David Cox, Superintendent of Schools; Eric VanSlyke, ACPS Supervisor of Science; Dr. George Brown, ACPS Assistant Supervisor of Social Studies; Jake Shade, Allegany County Commissioner; and Cpt. Greg Leake, Cumberland City Police Department.

               Reid Buskirk of Mountain Ridge was successful in winning the judges’ vote, and Clay Hoover of Allegany won the popular vote, which was decided upon by a group of middle and high school student attendees.