Interested local voters are encouraged to attend a free Legislative District 16 Candidate Forum and Debate, comprised of Republican candidates, that will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the CENTER at Empowerment Systems, 2066 W. Apache Trail, #104, (behind Papa Murphy’s on Ocotillo St.) in Apache Junction.
According to organizers, the emphasis in this debate will be where the candidates stand on health care, education, child care, and support for kids and families.
Invited to the forum are: John Fillmore (Apache Junction) and Rich Crandall (Mesa) who are facing each other for the Republican ballot slot for state senator. Also on the agenda are Doug Coleman (Apache Junction), Jeff Davis (Mesa), Judy Novalsky (Apache Junction), and Kelly Townsend (Mesa) who are running to earn one of the two spots on the ballot to vie for the Arizona House of Representatives.
Both debates will be moderated by Apache Junction City Councilwoman Robin Barker — with the first for the Arizona House seats’ contestants beginning at 6 p.m., and the Arizona Senate debate starting at 7:15 p.m.
Audience members will have an opportunity to meet candidates before and after the forum.
As there is only one Democratic candidate for senator (Scott Prior) one Democratic candidate for a representative’s seat (Matthew Cerra), and one Green candidate for a representative’s seat (Bill Maher), they are guaranteed a place on the general ballot and will therefore not be included in this primary election forum/debate.
Sponsors of this forum are: The Apache Junction/Gold Canyon News, Children’s Action Alliance, Empowerment Systems Inc., St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, Arizona’s Children’s Association, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Arizona Council of Human Service Providers, Arizona PTA, Arizona Public Health Association, Association for Supportive Health Care, A New Leaf at the CENTER at Empowerment Systems, PAFCO and Tots Unlimitted Preschool and Child Care Center.
For more information on the forum, call Debby Mayer at Children’s Action Alliance at (602) 266-0707 x211.
Don’t neglect voting in the Arizona primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Primary elections, overlooked by some voters, can be very important in the outcome of a race. The last day to register to be able to vote in this primary election is Monday, July 30.
By Betty Swanson
