City hosts only forum for commission race

November may prove the most intriguing Avondale Estates election in years with eight candidates vying for two commission seats. All eight come together for one time only in the 2017 Municipal Election Commissioner Candidates’ Forum, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza.

The only incumbent in the bunch is Terry Giager, with Randy Beebe announcing his retirement earlier this year. Giager had announced his retirement in April, but changed his mind on the last day of qualifying in August.

Giager, 70, is completing his eighth year on the board, the last six as mayor pro tem.

Other candidates participating Thursday are Joe Anziano, Paul Brown, Ben Dostal, Wilmer Engle, Candace Jones, Lionel Laratte and Lisa Shortell.

The top two vote getters win seats. There is no runoff.

Also beginning January Avondale Estates commissioners receive compensation for the first time in many years. Commissioners will receive $400 monthly and the mayor $600 monthly.