Get ready for a different kind of candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Kent on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon in the cafeteria of Theodore Roosevelt High School, 1400 N. Mantua St., Kent.
What is the new approach? Well, according to long-time member Pat Sattler, the Kent League used this small group, up close and personal process during the 70s and she remembers it worked very well. It will allow voters to ask questions of candidates in small groups overseen by a moderator.
"We expect that this new time and format will encourage more people to attend and give everyone a better opportunity to ask their own individual questions," said
LWVK President Roberta O'Keefe.
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How will it work? It will not be business as usual; candidates standing in front of an audience answering screened questions. Rather, voters will fill the round cafeteria tables. Candidates will start at an assigned table and then move from table to table in a set time frame.
At each table the candidate will have a minute to introduce him/herself after which voters will ask questions. A League member will be at each table to help facilitate the discussion. By the end of the event, each candidate will have an opportunity to meet in this small group setting with all attendees.
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Voters and candidates will have time after the process to talk further about issues. There will be tables for andidates to set out campaign materials. Campaign committees for issues will also provide materials. As always, the League will have light refreshments. Candidates and participants will be asked to complete a short survey to help LWVK evaluate this format and determine what adjustments should be made in the future.
Voters are invited to come early or stay later to meet and talk with candidates. For information, call LWVK President
Roberta O'Keefe at 330-673-2058 or email her at rlokeefe@sbcglobal.net or Jan Rusnack at 330-678-1261 or email her at jankent0417@msn.com.