The five candidates running for Fort Worth mayor came to the university Thursday for a one-on-one television interview with KERA reporter Bill Zeeble. Zeeble asked the candidates a variety of questions on local issues, such as the city’s public education system and public transportation.

This event illustrates two things.

One, this is another example of a state-of-the-art university facility that has been used by a professional organization. Following the use of the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility by the Pittsburgh Steelers for their pre-Super Bowl practices, the local PBS affiliate chose to use the university’s recently renovated broadcast studio for the interviews. This shows the commitment the university has made toward giving students the best equipment and facilities available and the efforts made to connect the university to the wider community.

Two, as campaigning gains steam toward the May 14 election, students should pay attention to the local political races in the city they currently call home. While not all students are permanent Fort Worth residents, the issues discussed in the mayoral race will affect them while they attend the university.

Students should follow the local elections by watching broadcasts such as the one filmed at the university and staying current on local news. They should also note that professional organizations using university facilities shows just how high-quality those facilities are.

Managing editor Mark Bell for the editorial board.