District 10 Councilmember Jerry Allen and Don Sanders have seen plenty of each other lately. The two met in their eighth debate Monday night at the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association’s general meeting.

The incumbent Allen and his challenger Sanders fielded questions before a crowd of about 150 at the Dallas Children’s Theater. The forum was moderated by Advocate publisher Rick Wamre.

The candidates addressed several issues, including the proposed and highly debated city-owned convention center hotel.

Additional topics ranged from keeping the Town Center development on track, each candidate’s civic accomplishments and how each would handle tough issues if elected.

Questions were chosen from dozens submitted by Lake Highlands residents. All homeowner associations who are members of the LHAIA were encouraged to submit topics for the candidates to their HOA president.

LHAIA President Jack White was pleased with the evening’s format and by the questions submitted.

“This is a great opportunity for the community at-large to have a chance to get their questions answered. These neighbors are passionate about their community. It’s also a great introduction for those who haven’t heard both candidates speak and to gain some insight into their qualifications and how they operate,” White said.

Wamre was among those who had not heard both candidates speak. He selected the questions and added a few of his own in an effort to keep the evening balanced.

“I was facing the candidates but wished I could have seen the audience reactions to some of the answers to better connect with them,” he said.

The candidates have three remaining debates before the May 9th election, including today’s Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Lakewood Country Club.