City Council candidate forum set for Thursday
Rotary holding another panel Aug. 6
The six council candidates running in the city’s primary election will share their views on local issues during a forum hosted by the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
From 11:25 a.m. to 1 p.m., the chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee will present the candidates during a Lunch and Learn event at the Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive.
Tuesday was the cutoff to buy lunch tickets; however, there will be plenty of free seating for those who want to attend but choose not to eat.
The candidates for council are Jason Bradley, Chris Morris, Robert Scarborough, Mike Shelton, Ema Lea Shoop and Edward Thomas.
Since this is for the council race, Jenny Farmer-Umphress, who is running unopposed to retain her seat as municipal judge, is not participating.
The six council candidates will answer questions from attendees and the chamber’s Board of Directors. The candidates will have the opportunity to respond to other candidates’ answers.
In addition, the Yuma Rotary Club is offering another chance to meet council candidates at a lunch forum to be held 12-1 p.m. Tuesday at the Yuma Golf and Country Club, 3150 S. Fortuna Ave. The cost of lunch is $15.
At this forum, each candidate will be given one minute to introduce themselves. After introductions, each candidate will be asked two questions and given the opportunity to provide their answers.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY
Yuma voters will head to the polls on Aug. 27 to fill the open seats in the primary election. However, those who prefer to vote early may start doing so today.
Candidates may be elected to office in the primary if they receive a vote of 50% plus one among the ballots cast. In the event that seats remain open following the primary election, the city will hold a general election on Nov. 5.
Those elected to these positions would each serve a four-year term beginning Jan. 1. Yuma elections are nonpartisan. Seats are held at-large and council candidates are not bound to specific geographic areas.
The open council seats are currently occupied by Shelton, Thomas and Jacob Miller, who is not seeking reelection.
To request voter assistance for the primary election, contact the Yuma County Recorder’s Office by 5 p.m. Aug. 16. Disabled or ill voters may send a written request or call the recorder’s office to have a ballot personally delivered to their home by a special election board. For more information, call the Recorder’s Office at 928-3736020.