Two gubernatorial debates last week gave Fairbanks residents a glimpse of who to vote for on Nov. 7.

The three main competitors for governor, independent Andrew Halcro, Democrat Tony Knowles, and Republican Sarah Palin, attended a debate at the Carlson Center on Oct. 24, hosted by the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.

Afterward, Knowles and Halcro attended a candidates' forum at UAF in the Wood Center.

The debate at the Carlson Center drew a large crowd, charging an entry fee but providing lunch.

Each of the candidates gave an opening statement and then were each given an opportunity to answer questions.

"We don't need politics as usual," Palin said. "We need new energy for Alaska, with a governor who believes in transparency and integrity."

"During my eight years as governor, we accomplished a lot of good things," Knowles said. "I am ready to once again answer our state's call to public service."

After opening statements, questions were asked with each candidate given time to respond.

Questions ranged from the natural gas pipeline and predator control to education.

"[Gov. Frank] Murkowski made too many concessions," Knowles said of the pipeline. "We need to open up the discussions on the gas pipeline."

Palin said "after I take office, I will meet with producers for a plan."

"My decision will be based on competition and fairness," she said.

Halcro said he would not abandon Murkowski's plan.

"About six or seven provisions need to be changed," he said.

The candidates also tussled over predator control.

Palin said "predator control must be based on science, not politics."

"But we must be able to hunt and feed our families," she said.

Knowles said "the animal on Alaska's dinner table is the animal that matters most to Alaskans."

"We need to manage for maximum sustainable yield," he said.

Halcro said the governor needs to hold the Board of Game accountable.

"The Board of Game is not accountable to the people," he said. "Only the governor is."

The university and education were also topics.

"We need to prepare educators for life in rural Alaska," Halcro said. "Right now we are setting them up for failure."

"I look forward to working with President Hamilton on a plan for the university," Palin said.

Knowles said "we need more public funds for the university."

"We need more schools, and fewer prisons," Knowles said. "There is a connection between prison and level of education."

Halcro and Knowles later attended a forum at UAF hosted by various UAF governance groups.

Students were given a brief opportunity to ask questions.

The candidates were asked about turning the university "green."

"The university is a catalyst for environmental research," Halcro said. "We need to embrace it, and we need to be at the forefront in embracing green."

Knowles said "universities are hotbeds for green policy."

"We need to pledge to reduce emissions and reduce energy use," Knowles said.

A question was also asked about the value of the liberal arts.

Knowles responded that "we forget how important the liberal arts are. They broaden our horizons."

Another student asked about their ideas for managing Alaska's resources for the long-term.

Halcro sees it as a question of "balance."

"We in Alaska have a boom-bust mentality, with no stability," Halcro said. "We lose sight of tomorrow. What we need is a balanced approach with renewable and non-renewable resources."