Chairperson Yvonne Gray told West Kentucky Star that Commissioner Sarah Steward Holland used notes during the debate, which was a violation of the rules.
Holland posted the following on her Facebook page on Friday:
"I wanted to let everyone know about a situation with last night's debate. I took a print out of the questions we were given, as well as my opening remarks, up to the stage with me. In previous forums, we had been allowed notes and, in my rush to prepare, I didn't review the guidelines for this debate which prohibited notes."
"I would never purposefully violate the rules and I sincerely apologize for my mistake. I hope the focus remains on the wonderful evening of civic participation and the great discussion we had about the future of Paducah."
The debate was a forum for the eight candidates in the city commissioner race to answer questions submitted by citizens of Paducah. It was held at the Paducah Campus of Murray State University.
