The Candidate Forum held Sunday evening at the Beloit Municipal Building was well attended with something over 150 people present to hear what the candidates who are running for office in Mitchell County and well as candidates for State School Board in District Six and the Senate seat in the newly redrawn 36th Senate District had to say.
The meeting was sponsored by Leadership Mitchell County. Phyllis Shurts President of that organization welcomed the crowd and introduced those in charge of the meeting. Charles Frodsham, acted as Moderator with a panel of Jay Rowh representing KVSV Radio, Barbara Axtell, representing the Beloit Call, and Mike Schrant, representing KDNS Radio presenting the questions. Mayor Tom Naasz, was the timer for the speakers.
County Candidates introduced included Judy Pettijohn, Register of Deeds; Yvonne Melton, County Treasurer; Chris Treaster, County Clerk; Doug Daugherty, Mitchell County Sheriff; Mark Noah, Mitchell County Attorney. Susan Concannon, Beloit, candidate for the State House of Representatives in the 107th District who is running uncontested was also introduced.
Candidates introduced and who also took part in the debate included Jim Marshall, Tipton and Galen Seehafer, Hunter running for County Commissioner of the 3rd District and Mike Cooper and David Chase, running for County Commissioner of the 2nd District. Chase was unable to attend due to health issues and hospitalization; but Moderator Frodsham read his prewritten responses of things he wanted the audience to know about him and to consider when they cast their ballot on Election Day.
Candidates for the State School Board, District 6, attending were: Carol Viar, Salina and Deena Horst, also of Salina. Elaine Bowers, Concordia and Marquis Clark, also of Concordia, candidates running for a seat in the newly redrawn 36th Senate District were present and took part in the debate.
Each of the candidates was given three questions from each of the panel members to answer. They were then given a time to make a rebuttal to their opponents' answers make additional comments before presenting closing arguments. The panel's questions were well thought out and dealt with timely issues the candidates will be working with if they are elected to office in their specific race. The candidates were available after the forum to answer questions members of the audience might have.
Leadership Mitchell County members served refreshments during the evening.