There is more than a year before the next gubernatorial election in Texas, but the Alvarado High School debate club got a head start in finding out who the candidates are Tuesday at Decision ’09.

AHS’ debate club hosted three candidates, two representatives and had several other candidates appear via video at the high school auditorium as the club hosted its second annual Decision event.

Videos from republicans Rob Curnock, Dave McIntyre and Rick Perry opened the candidate forum before Read King, regional coordinator for Debra Medina, took the microphone. He explained that, among many other things, Medina would be in favor of eliminating private property taxes in Texas.

Libertarians John Spivey and Steve Nichols both addressed the crowd and explained the differences between libertarians and, “the big two.”

Spivey is the Tarrant County Libertarian Party Chair and Nichols is a candidate for governor. Nichols described his beliefs about reducing utility rates, eliminating toll roads and better problem-solving techniques on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The two democratic candidates that spoke each said education was at the top of their list of priorities.

To Schieffer, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, said his experiences in Japan opened his eyes to the need for more access to universities and colleges. Felix Alvarado directed his speech toward the students who were in attendance, asking if they knew what their future held.

Winners of a district-wide essay contest were also honored as they were given the opportunity to read their essay or have it read by one of the debate club members.

For more pictures of the event, click here .