Candidate forum at TCOE office in Visalia Thursday
First of series of forums in advance of Nov. 6 election
In a democracy, elections are the public’s way of hiring its representatives. Campaigns are, essentially, job applications and candidate forums are job interviews.
To that end, a group of civic organizations are co-sponsoring a number of forums in advance of the November 6 General Election.
This is an opportunity for the voters to see and hear candidates’ views on crucial issues.
The first candidate forum for the upcoming election is on Thursday. The forum will take place at the Tulare County Office of Education, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., between Visalia and Tulare. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Candidates for Superintendent of Schools take the stage at 6:00, and those for State Assembly at 7:15. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to submit questions during both sessions.
For the first time in a quarter century, the race for Tulare County Superintendent of Schools does not include an incumbent. Invited to this Forum are both candidates: Superintendent of Exeter School District Tim Hire and Deputy Superintendent of Tulare County Schools Craig Wheaton.
Next on tap for the evening are the candidates for State Assembly District 26, which includes most of the northwestern quadrant of Tulare County. Surviving a hotly contested primary race are incumbent Devon Mathis and Tulare City Councilman Jose Sigala.
Melinda Morales, Public Relations Specialist with Adventist Health and former opinion page editor with the Visalia Times-delta/tulare Advance-register, will moderate.
Please note that I.R.S. 501(c)(3) rules require that more than one candidate for an office must be present for a forum to proceed. This event is free, and is handi--
capped-accessible. A food truck will be available in the parking lot.
Anyone with questions is asked to contact Dale Simmons, the President of the League of Women Voters of Tulare County through e-mail at lwvtc2020@gmail.com.
These events are sponsored by the Association of University Women (AAUW), League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), League of Women Voters of Tulare County, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Tulare County Farm Bureau, Tulare County Association of Realtors, Tulare-kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Visalia Chamber of Commerce, and the Visalia Times-delta / Tulare Advance-register.