My first love was radio. I started off at Syracuse University as a broadcast journalism major, but wasn't technically proficient enough to handle anything other than a pen and a piece of paper, so I switched to newspaper journalism. Despite the switch, I've always dreamed of being a drive-time talk show host ("You sure have a face for radio," said the unoriginal guy).

That's part of the reason why I gladly accepted WATN-1240's offer to moderate a mayoral debate between Jeff Graham, who is the incumbent, and Councilman Jeff Smith.

The debate will air on Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.

When he's not running for office, Mr. Graham is a talk-show host at the station. So Mr. Smith balked at the opportunity to go on the Hotline radio show — it is, after all, Mr. Graham's place of employment, and so Mr. Smith would be getting interviewed by Mr. Graham's co-worker who donated to Mr. Graham's campaign.

Mr. Smith agreed to a format with an independent moderator. That's where I come in.

I had a few inappropriately named and themed radio shows in my college years, but the rust on my vocal chords should shake off quickly. What I still have to consider is format and questions. If you have any suggestions for me, shoot me an email — bamaral@wdt.net.

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