13 candidates participate in Yuma forum

Area is on radar of those running for state offices

On Thursday, the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum moderated by the Yuma Sun.

Thirteen are running to represent Yuma County at the state level in two districts: District 4 and District 13.

And of those 13 candidates, every single one came to Yuma and participated in the forum. Readers, that is remarkable.

It is August, and this is not the most pleasant time of the year to come visit, yet, here they all were.

They came ready to discuss the issues and give attendees some insight into their political perspectives and views.

Forums such as this one allow voters a chance to hear what these candidates have to say, to put a face with a name, and to spark a bit of curiosity. If a voter thinks “Wow. That answer was interesting … I’m going to go look up her website to learn more” – then the forum was a success.

In District 13, running for Senate, are incumbent Sine Kerr (R), Brent Backus (R), Don Shooter (R), and Michelle Harris (D).

For District 13, running for the House of Representatives, are incumbent Tim Dunn (R), incumbent Darin Mitchell (R), Joanne Osborne (R), Trey Terry (R), and Thomas Tzitzura (D).

Candidates for District 4 Representatives are incumbent Charlene Fernandez (D), incumbent Gerae Peten (D) and Sara Mae Williams (G).

Incumbent Lisa Otondo (D) is running unopposed for the state Senate in District 4.

These 13 candidates are our choices to represent Yuma at the state Legislature, but they don’t all hail from Yuma. Instead, they come from a variety of cities and towns across the districts: Yuma, Goodyear, Topawa, Litchfield Park, Buckeye, Waddell … places both near and far.

Too often, Yuma feels like it is pushed aside. We’re split into districts that encompass large swaths of land and there is a lot of ground to cover. Campaigns may or may not come down here, and sometimes it feels like candidates make the barest of efforts here, outside of the “vote for me!” signs that appear on every corner in town.

Thursday, all 13 candidates came to town. Yuma County is on the radar, and it is terrific to have candidates who recognize the importance of coming down and talking to our voters. For that, we thank them.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?

Having lived in Yuma since 1988, I have amassed a long list of professionals and tradesmen. I’m absolutely certain that I have missed a few of those proficient people. From time to time I try to give praise to those who make living in Yuma, Ariz., pleasant. My wife and I have had trouble with jewelry and glass frames due to our active lifestyle. Gonzos Jewelry Shop for years was up on 4th Avenue, and is now on 5th Avenue. It’s the place to go for efficiency and timely repairs. Dealing with Humberto, the jeweler, reaffirms my decision to move to Yuma.