LWV Candidate Forums for MN House and County Board next up

The public is welcome to attend and participate in upcoming Candidate Forums, sponsored by the League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area, prior to Election Day.

The League sponsors candidate forums to educate the public about campaign issues, provide an opportunity for voters to hear candidates discuss their positions on issues face-to-face, stimulate public interest and participation in elections and provide an opportunity for candidates to engage with their constituents.

The next forum will be for Minnesota House Districts 2A and 2B from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Northwoods Bank Community Room. Candidates who have agreed to participate are Dist. 2A Rep. Matt Grossell, Clearbrook (Republican) and challenger Michael Northbird, Cass Lake (DFL) and Dist. 2B Rep. Steve Green, Fosston (Republican) and challenger Karen Branden, Rochert (DFL).

Please email questions for this forum to lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org by noon Friday, Sept. 28. Please put the forum date in the subject line.

If you are uncertain if you live in Dist. 2A or 2B, go to http://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us.

The Candidate Forum for Hubbard County Commissioner Districts 1 and 3 will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at CHI St. Joseph’s Health downstairs meeting room. Candidates for Dist. 1 are Vern Massie (incumbent) and David DeLaHunt, both of Park Rapids. Candidates for Dist. 3 are Ed Smith, Park Rapids (incumbent) and Tom Krueger, Nevis. Ted Van Kempen also is running unopposed for Hubbard County Commissioner Dist. 5.

Please email questions for this forum by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Precincts in Hubbard County Dist. 1 are City of Nevis and Henrietta, Nevis and Lake Emma Townships. Precincts in Hubbard County Dist. 3 are East of Hwy. 71 in the City of Park Rapids and Badoura, Crow Wing Lake, Hubbard, Straight River and White Oak Townships.

Questions also may be submitted at the event. Pencils and notecards for written questions will be available and accepted at all of the Candidate Forums or bring your questions with you. League members will collect audience questions to be screened. The names of those who submit questions via e-mail and at the forum will remain confidential.

Upcoming forums will be as follows:

* Park Rapids Mayor from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Park Rapids Area Library downstairs meeting room. Email questions by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9.

* Hubbard County Sheriff from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room. Email questions by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16.

* Menahga School Board fro 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Oct. 23 at the Menahga School media center. Email questions by noon Friday, Oct. 19.

The audience will be invited to stay for coffee and cookies following the events.

For more information, contact Lu Ann Hurd-Lof, LWV Voter Service chair, at 218-820-2716.

The League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 political organization, encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to all. Membership and voter registration information will also be available at the Candidate Forums. For more information about the League of Women Voters, go to lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com.