Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown has finally agreed to debate Republican opponent Meg Whitman in Fresno on Oct. 2, assuring that the candidates will be talking about issues of importance to San Joaquin Valley residents. Whitman had earlier accepted the Fresno debate invitation.

Brown had delayed his decision to participate in the Fresno encounter, while trying to get Whitman to commit to a debate in voter-rich Los Angeles. We support debates in every part of California and think Whitman should debate Brown in Los Angeles. There are two Northern California debates already scheduled.

Fresno's will be the third debate of the gubernatorial campaign and broadcast in Spanish statewide on Univision stations. Residents also will be able to hear the English version of the debate.

The debate sponsors -- Univision, the city of Fresno, the Fresno-Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fresno State and The Bee -- scheduled the debate partly to better connect the candidates with our region and to have them discussing Valley issues on the campaign trail.

To read the complete editorial, visit www.fresnobee.com.