With the election 40 days away, community members can get involved in the race by attending the Candidates’ Forums sponsored by the Athens Public Library and the Athens County League of Women Voters.
Each year, candidates in several different local races gather at the Athens Public Library at 30 Home St. to answer questions from the public. The forums typically last no longer than 75 minutes and follow a Q-and-A format.
Candidates will have three minutes to make an introductory statement, after which a panel of local media representatives will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Before the event ends, audience members will be given the chance to ask the candidates questions by writing them down, but the questions will be screened before the candidates are asked.
“(The forum) provides (voters) with an opportunity to judge each candidate for a specific office and to ask questions of them,” said Ed Baum, Candidate Forum coordinator.
There will be a total of six forums this October in order to give each candidate an opportunity to speak, Baum said, adding that “each candidate should receive equal attention.”
“Democracy depends on an educated citizenship in order to allow those chosen to represent well the people who are voting,” Baum said. “This is one way in which voters are informed as to the candidates and their positions on issues which affect them.”
This year Republicans Larry Payne and Randy Mace, Democrats Charlie Adkins and Chris Chmiel, and Independent Anne Cornwell are in the running for Athens County commissioner. The forums for county commissioner will take place Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.
The forum for Athens County treasurer will be held Oct. 4 with candidates Abe Alassaf, a Libertarian and Ohio University student, and Democrat Bill Bias. The spot for Athens County sheriff will be battled out between Sheriff Pat Kelly, Democrat, and Republican challenger Steve Kane on Oct. 16.
Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-94th District, and Republican challenger Charles Richter will be a part of the 94th Ohio House District Candidate Forum on Oct. 30.
dw923311@ohiou.edu
