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Format released for upcoming local political forum |
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 |
Local candidates will have an opportunity to briefly speak about themselves and outline their platforms before answering questions at Political Forum 2008 presented by the Courier and Courier TV95.
The two-part forum will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the historic Royal Theatre in Downtown Benton.
The format for both sessions calls for the candidates to introduce themselves and summarize their platforms. They then will answer two questions from the moderator before having the opportunity to ask each other a question.
Candidates will have two minutes for closing remarks.
The forum will give Saline County residents the opportunity to hear directly from people seeking local and state office, said Sam Stueart, co-owner of Courier TV95.
Tickets may be obtained during normal business hours at the Courier, 321 N. Market St. in Benton, Stueart said. Two hundred tickets are available for the public each day.
The local cable access channel will broadcast the forum live both days, Stueart said.
Both Democrat and Republican candidates competing in the upcoming primary election will be featured.
Early voting for the May 20 primary begins Monday, May 5.
On Sunday, the forum will feature candidates for county judge, sheriff and the two nonpartisan Circuit Court judgeships.
On Tuesday, the forum will feature candidates for the Arkansas House of Representatives District 28 and District 29 positions.
Moderators for both forums will be announced this week.
“The forum is an excellent opportunity for voters to learn more about the candidates and where they stand,” said Whit Jones, Courier editor. “There’s no question that an educated and informed voter is an asset to the political system.”
Following are candidates who will be featured in the forums:
Sunday Forum
County Judge — Incumbent Lanny Fite of Benton and Ann Sanders of Bryant, both Republicans.
Sheriff — James Ward of Alexander and sheriff’s Sgt. Tim Dudderar of Bryant, both Republicans.
Circuit Court Division 1 — Bobby McCallister and Brent Standridge, both of Benton.
Circuit Court Division 4 — Hayward Battle of Bryant and Robert Herzfeld and Paul White, both of Benton.
Tuesday Forum
Arkansas House District 28 — Incumbent Lamont Cornwell and Barbara Nix, both of Benton and both Democrats.
Arkansas House District 29 — Scott Smith of Bryant and Mike Beckwith of Saline County, both Democrats.
Arkansas House District 29 — Ann Clemmer of Salem and J. Brett Hooton and Bud Lidzy, both of Bryant, all Republicans.
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