AAUW Candidates Forum set for tonight at SSCC
The Hillsboro Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women), in conjunction with WVNU-FM and The Highland County Press, will hold the annual AAUW Candidates Forum Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Southern State Community College’s Central Campus in Hillsboro.
Candidates invited include: Mr. Peter Pence (91st House District race), Mr. Cliff Rosenberger (91st House District race), Mr. Tom Horst (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 3 term), Mr. Randy Mustard (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 3 term), Ms. Brenda Losey (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 2 term), Mr. Shane Wilkin (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 2 term), Mr. Gary Heaton (Highland County Treasurer race), Ms. Vickie Warnock (Highland County Treasurer race), Mr. Larry Burns (Highland County Recorder race), Mr. Chad McConnaughey (Highland County Recorder race), Ms. Anneka Collins (Highland County Prosecutor race), and Ms. Kimberly McGuire-Haines (Highland County Prosecutor race).
All 12 candidates have confirmed their attendance and participation, Ryan said.
"Candidates also are welcomed to leave campaign literature on a table outside the auditorium," she said.
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The forum (which is not a debate) will be broadcast live on WVNU-FM, 97.5 MHz, and will be moderated by Pat Hays, general manager of the station. The panel will consist of AAUW member Sue Hillger, longtime newspaper editor Steve Roush, and newspaper columnist Jim Matticks. Hillsboro City Auditor Gary Lewis and AAUW member Virginia Purdy will serve as the forum's timekeepers.
“A well-informed voter is an effective voter,” said WVNU GM Pat Hays, who serves as moderator of the annual Columbus Day forum.
“WVNU is proud to again partner with the AAUW and The Highland County Press to give Highland County’s voters a chance to know these candidates, what they stand for, and what they plan for our future.”
AAUW Public Policy Officer Rosemary Ryan said that the annual candidates forum is an important institution for Highland County voters.
“Having an informed voting public is essential for a working republic,” Ryan said.
“For more than 20 years, the forum has consistently been a reliable source of information about the general election candidates. It gives the voters a chance to hear what the candidates have to say and a chance to send their own questions in and have them answered directly.”
Questions may be mailed to: AAUW, P.O. Box 303, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.
Each candidate will be given the opportunity to give a 90-second opening statement. Each candidate will then be asked questions from the panel, with a two-minute answer time limit per question. There will be no questions taken from the audience. Candidates will be offered 90 seconds for closing comments.
Ryan encouraged all candidates to have their respective opening and closing statements prepared in advance.
As always, the AAUW Candidates Forum is a free event and open to the public.
The forum is also being videotaped by Terry Mikkelsen and Tech-T Productions and will be streamed live over the Internet at around-hillsboro.com.
For more information, contact Rosemary Ryan at (937) 393-2033.