FORKS — Voters will be able to meet candidates in the Nov. 5 election at an informal forum Sunday (Oct. 6).
Candidates in the county’s most hotly contested political race — Colleen McAleer and Del DelaBarre, who are vying for a Port of Port Angeles seat — are among candidates who have confirmed they will be at Sunday’s voter information forum in Forks, said Linda Benson of the League of Women Voters.
The forum will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forks Community Center, 91 Maple Ave.
McAleer, 46, director of business development at the Port of Port Angeles, and DelaBarre, 75, co-owner of an event services company, are facing off after incumbent Commissioner Paul McHugh was eliminated from the race in the August primary.
The league also has confirmed that incumbent Forks Mayor Bryon Monohon, 50, and challenger Janet Hughes, 57, owner of JT’s Sweet Stuffs, are scheduled to be present at the event, as well as Forks City Council candidate Bill Brager, who is running unopposed.
Port Commissioner John Calhoun will be present to explain initiatives placed on the ballot by the Port of Port Angeles.
There will be representatives supporting and opposing the GMO initiative, and information will be provided on advisory votes, Benson said.
The new format event, called “Democracy Days,” will serve as a voter information forum, with no formal question-and-answer periods.
‘Democracy Days’
Guests can circulate between the tables to talk to each as they wish.
At past candidate forums, the candidates sat at large tables at the front of the room and fielded audience questions through a league moderator.
Interested voters who attend the Forks forum will be eligible to win a $100 Thriftway gift card.
In Port Angeles, a similar forum is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St.
Candidates invited to attend include those running for four Port Angeles City Council positions, two Port Angeles School Board positions, three Olympic Medical Center positions, Clallam County Fire District No. 2, three Crescent School District positions and the Port of Port Angeles District 1 commissioner.
Supporters and opponents of two state initiatives, five state advisory votes and two Port of Port Angeles initiatives also have been offered space at the event.
Those who attend the Port Angeles forum will be eligible to win a $100 Safeway gift card.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
