COEUR d'ALENE - Shut that technology down, and pick up a pen if you want to take notes.

A Coeur d'Alene City Council challenger is upset that he won't be able to use his iPad at Thursday's candidate forum, a rule he called "outdated" and one that drew a strong reaction from the political hopeful after it was brought to his attention.

After further review, Adam Graves, vying for Seat 1, said he understands why the city is prohibiting personal technological devices for the question and answer session, though he still thinks his iPad shouldn't be barred.

He also said he shouldn't have rushed to such a spirited initial reaction.

"I probably shouldn't have been so fired up in the email," said Graves Tuesday. "They're just trying to keep everything fair."

Graves uses an iPad to log notes. iPads offer users web, email, and note taking options, among plenty of others, at the touch of a screen. It was Graves' understanding that the city would allow him to use it for Thursday's debate, but City Clerk Susan Weathers notified him that the city won't.

In an email exchange with Weathers, Graves called the rule "antiquated" and "outdated."

"You are going to force me to use outdated technology (notes and printouts like some 75 year old politician)," Graves emailed Weathers. "Wow, this is exactly what is wrong with government. What year is it again? Do you expect me to run the city the same way once elected?"

The rule isn't anti-technology, the city said, it's a step it takes to ensure that each candidate is on a level playing field. The rule has also been on the books for at least the last three city forums, and the relatively new iPad is getting thrown on the technology list.

During the forum, each candidate is brought out, by seat, to answer questions. So when Seat 3 candidates take the stage, candidates for seats 1 and 5 will be waiting in a back room so they don't hear the questions. Before the forum begins, they have to turn over cell phones and all other technological devices so they can't communicate with the outside world.

Basically, no cheating.

The questions are generally about political philosophy, not ones that pinpoint specific financial figures, Weathers said. That way, it gives voters a chance to see their candidates think on their feet.

"As a leader you have to be able to do that," she said. "We want the community to see the person behind the candidate."

Candidates are allowed to take notes, just the old-fashioned way.

Graves used his iPad to find information at the Coeur Group forum earlier this month that corrected a financial figure candidate Steve Adams had stated about the education corridor. He said too much misinformation, such as with financial figures, gets thrown around during election season, and can sway voters. So correct info at his disposal is key, he said, adding that he could put the device on airplane mode so it doesn't connect to his phone or the web. He added he'll print out his notes for Thursday.

After he learned of the city's decision, he said the move to "level the playing field" was one that went to "the lowest and oldest common denominator."

"I was probably a little bit hot," Graves said Tuesday. "I understand what they're trying to do. They're trying to keep people from cheating, so to speak."

The forum will be televised live Thursday at 5 p.m. on cable channel 19. It will also be available on the city's website, www.cdaid.org. A schedule of rebroadcasts will be on the site as well.