There is a debate to debate.

The groundwork has been laid for a possible debate showdown Friday morning between Orland Park mayoral candidates Keith Pekau and Jim Dodge.

The incumbent, Pekau, is all in.

The challenger, Dodge, didn’t directly say “No,” however judging by comments made in a statement to the Regional, it doesn’t appear likely he will partake.

The event was originally to be hosted by the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce, but Pekau balked at the fact that the debate would not be livestreamed and the event was cancelled.

Pekau, however, is hosting the event at 8:30 a.m. March 7 at the Orland Park Public Library and Dodge is invited.

Dodge didn’t directly say if he was showing up but in a statement, he showed his distaste for Friday’s event.

“How does one attend a cancelled event?” Dodge said. “We understand the chamber’s decision was made due to Keith’s unwillingness to adhere to their established format and guidelines which set forth what could have been a constructive and informative event for the business community.

“In light of the cancellation, Pekau is now attempting to host a political rally at the public library.”

Dodge said the Chamber of Commerce is not a part of the planning nor the execution of the March 7 event.

“This obvious political stunt from a flailing campaign clearly reflects the mayor’s agenda rather than the collective interests of our community,” Dodge said.

Meanwhile, Pekau outlined the format of the event and said these rules were set forth by the Chamber of Commerce.

  • Two guests from the audience – a supporter from each candidate – will read questions and time the responses of the two candidates.
  • Questions will be submitted from members of the audience and drawn from a hat.
  • The candidates will have five minutes for opening and closing statements and three minutes to respond to each question.
  • Audience members are requested to remain silent throughout the forum as a courtesy to those watching the livestream.

Even if Dodge does not show, Pekau said he will be there to answer questions.

“I answer questions all the time,” Pekau said. “I do it at the Mayor’s Breakfast and the State of the Village. But this is a political forum so I can say some things I can’t say in those other forums.”

Pekau said that livestreaming the event is important.

 “Why would you not want something live streamed?” Pekau said. “Only so you can tape it and edit it. There is no other reason to object.

“Dodge is welcome to livestream it, too, and I’ll be happy to wear his microphone, and he can wear mine. There is nothing more transparent than that.”