Presidential Debate Commission Visits Stockton

Less than a week after graduating a record number of students during its , the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey hosted the Commission on Presidential Debates on Thursday.

The college submitted earlier this year. It is one of 12 colleges competing for one of four debates (three presidential, one vice presidential).

On Thursday, a three-member delegation from the commission visited the campus for a thorough on-site survey, which included inspection of the 4,000-seat Sports Center, nicknamed Big Blue, which serves as the proposed debate hall, according to a release from the college.

Stockton will learn if it is one of the four debate sites selected this fall.

The new Campus Center, , was also inspected. The delegation also conducted interviews with college personnel responsible for the logistics of hosting a debate. The subject of the interviews focused on "positive international attention on Stockton, the region and New Jersey," according to the release.

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey President Herman J. Saatkamp hosted the visit, and noted the college is located within driving distance of the nation's first and fourth largest media markets.

The William J. Hughes Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center is just 15 minutes away, he also said.

“Stockton’s reputation for academic excellence and community engagement make it a natural choice for a debate site,” Saatkamp said. “Our facilities, location and infrastructure make it a practical choice as well.”

Stockton's recent purchase of the Seaview Dolce Resort would facilitate presidential and vice presidential travel accommodations, as it is just five minutes from the campus, he said. Atlantic City International Airport would also help with travel arrangements, and the Airport/Tech Center complex is also home to the Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing and the NextGen Aviation Research and Technology Park.

Stockton's bid received a plethora of support, including that of Gov. Chris Christie, Galloway Mayor Keith Hartman, several U.S. senators, Atlantic County Executive Director Dennis Levinson, Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Chairman James Kehoe and members of the Greater Atlantic County Chamber of Commerce, among others.

“Additionally, we have received an , businesses and schools,” Saatkamp said.

Other debate requirements were also discussed, including those for infrastructure, communications, event support and security.

“We are confident Stockton’s many distinctive features, along with community support, will fare impressively in all aspects the CPD requires to host an event of this magnitude,” Saatkamp said. “A presidential debate or vice presidential debate at Stockton will showcase the region and state in a most favorable light and in a global sense, illustrate how the free exchange of ideas and free elections work in a great democracy.

“When considering all the aspects needed to host an event of this importance and scope, it becomes clear Stockton has the physical and human resources, ability, experience and desire to make a successful debate happen here. What a remarkable message this would send to students, faculty, staff and community: we are engaged at the highest levels and prepared to display out abilities on the international stage.”