DeKalb’s mayoral candidates responded to NIU student concerns, including gay rights, during an open forum Tuesday night.

Sponsored by the Student Political Education and Action Committee, the forum included mayoral candidates Nick DeGraffenried, Adolph Miller and 7th Ward Alderman Mark Powell. First Ward Alderman Chris Hoagland represented candidate DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow, who was representing the city at the Illinois Municipal League Assistance Program in Springfield. Hoagland qualified her comments on behalf of Sparrow, saying that her answers reflected the way she believed he would respond to the questions.

Most candidates refrained from personal attacks and primarily discussed their strengths and the issues.

Hoagland stressed Sparrow’s contacts in Springfield and Washington, D.C., and said the community has prospered during the eight years he has served as mayor. In reference to attacks on Sparrow and the city government by Powell, she said, “Greg has run his campaign on issues and not on accusations.”

Miller pointed to his experience in real estate, and said he is running for mayor out of concern for the community.

Powell said that, if elected, he would be a progressive mayor, initiating projects such as a substance abuse program for elementary school students, an AIDS education program and a mayor’s advisory committee on education.

DeGraffenried said he decided to run for mayor because there are “minor problems that need addressing.” He also stressed the importance of student involvement in the election.

Powell came under fire when Tom Elkins of NIU’s Young Democrats criticized the alderman for name-calling during his campaign statements.

“I’ve been conducting a truthful campaign,” Powell said.

One of the most challenging questions was posed by Brian Subatich, representing the Gay/Lesbian Union, when he asked candidates their positions about adding a sexual orientation clause to the DeKalb Municipal Code.

Powell and DeGraffenried are in favor of a gay rights ordinance, while Miller and Sparrow maintain neutral positions.

Miller did not directly address the issue and referred instead to the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” he said. “If they apply the Golden Rule to their heart and life and I apply it to mine, then we’ll live together in happy ever after.”

oagland said the mayor does not have voting power on the gay rights ordinance. Aldermen, however, vote on this issue.

In support of a gay rights ordinance, Powell said, “If people suffer, it is the obligation and duty to relieve that suffering.”

DeGraffenried also expressed his support. “I’m sorry we have to keep coming up with laws and ordinances to protect people.”

About 50 NIU students attended at the forum, which was moderated by NIU Ombudsman Bert Simpson. Representatives from the College Republicans and the Student Association also were present.