SEQUIM — The first in a series of pre-primary League of Women Voters forums is set for 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
The forum at the Sequim Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar St., will focus on the three-candidate race for the state District 24 seat now held by Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim.
Tharinger is seeking a third term representing the district that covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
He is challenged by Republican Thomas Greisamer of Moclips in Grays Harbor County and Dr. Stafford Conway, a Sequim neurologist who filed as a Libertarian.
League member Vicci Ruden will moderate.
Future plans
Upcoming league forums will feature the three-candidate race for Clallam County commissioner District 3, as well as the four-candidate race for the 6th Congressional District seat now held by Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor.
The top-two primary election Aug. 5 will narrow the Nov. 4 general election ballot to the two candidates who received the most primary election votes. Primary ballots will be mailed to registered voters July 18.
At each of the forums, each candidate will have three minutes for opening remarks, followed by questions asked by a moderator.
Audience questions
Questions will be taken from the audience, said Linda Benson, league member, adding that all candidates will have the opportunity to answer each question.
Those attending will have time to speak with candidates individually.
All have said they will attend, except for Kilmer, Benson said.
Kilmer’s office said he plans to send a representative in his place because the House of Representatives will be in session on the day of the forum and will be taking votes.
Also at each of the forums will be the opportunity to file a change-of-address form that will go to the county Auditor’s Office. The Postal Service does not forward ballots, Benson said.
Where and when
After Sunday, upcoming forums are:
■ Wednesday, state representative, District 24 — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St.
■ Wednesday, July 9, county commissioner, District 3 — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Forks Concerned Citizens (across from Thriftway, behind Sunshine and Rainbows) in Forks.
■ Thursday, July 10, 6th Congressional District — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Port Angeles Senior Center.
■ Wednesday, July 16, county commissioner, District 3 — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Port Angeles Senior Center.
Who’s running
No incumbent is running for the Clallam County commissioner District 3 seat, which covers the western third of the county, since the longtime holder of that seat, Mike Doherty, is not seeking re-election.
Competing for the seat are Sissi Bruch, a Democrat and Port Angeles City Council member; Bill Peach, a Forks Republican and retired forester and Quillayute Valley Parks and Recreation District commissioner; and Bryon Monohon, mayor of Forks, who filed as an independent.
Kilmer is challenged in his bid for a second term by W. “Greybeard” McPherson of Port Angeles, who stated no party preference; Republican Marty McClendon of Gig Harbor; and Green Party candidate Douglas Milholland of Port Townsend.
