HeadlineSurfer videos produced by Serafina Frederick /
OAK HILL -- Doug Gibson stood tall in answering questions during a public candidate debate in the race for mayor sponsored by Headline Surfer. After all, his opponent in the non-partisan race, fellow commissioner and Vice Mayor Linda Hyatt, was a no show in her own house -- the chambers at Oak Hill City Hall.
The mayoral debate was the first of three held on the same evening last month. While the videos were posted right away on YouTube for public viewing, Headline Surfer opted to publish a complete story now, within four weeks of the Nov. 6 election to give voters a fresh window to consider how the candidates responded to the issues at hand.
Hyatt was apprehensive about appearing in a debate, telling Headline Surfer just a few days ahead of time she didn't want to be a part of it without giving a reason, but the day before finally agreed. But she didn't show up after all. She had sent the 24/7 Internet newspaper a private message on Facebook that afternoon that she was sick. The message wasn't seen until the debate night was over.
Hyatt later acknowledged she should have called and alerted Headline Surfer prior to the debate. She declined to get into specifics as to how she was sick, except to say it wasn't anything serious enough for her not to be able to attend.
"I made a mistake," she said. Gibson said he was made aware by friends and associates that Hyatt was out with friends the next day. As for her not showing up, he said: "I was there. The voters can see for themselves by watching the debate online. I answered all of your questions. It's up to the voters to determine why she couldn't or wouldn't answer the same questions. If she wants to be mayor, she should have been here."
Gibson and Hyatt were polar opposites when the commission a year ago decided on the fate of the Oak Hill police department, led by then-embattled Police Chief Diane Young, a former cocaine addict. The police force was in shambles and Young's leadership was called into question amid widespread allegations of corruption that led to several firings and suspensions. Young was supported by Hyatt and follow commissioners Kathy Bittle and Ron Engele. Gibson and Mayor Mary Lee Cook wanted Young fired.
When the vote to terminate Young failed in the split vote, Engele then surprised everyone by urging the department as a whole he disbanded in favor of coverage by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Gibson seconded Engele's motion and the matter was settled. The commission then went ahead and fired combative City Clerk Laura Goodearly.
A year later, neither Gibson nor Hyatt regret the decision made to disband the police force.
Headline Surfer encourages Oak Hill voters to review the two videos from this mayoral debate, which were produced without cuts.