'Meet the Candidates' gives voters opportunity to ask questions

ROACHDALE -- The Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance thinks Putnam County residents should have the opportunity to vote based on information rather than just name recognition, and on April 3, county voters will get that opportunity.

"Meet the Candidates" will provide a moderated discussion for Putnam County residents and the candidates running for sheriff and county commissioner positions.

All six contested candidates -- three each for sheriff and District 2 county commissioner -- have confirmed their attendance at the event slated to take place in Roachdale at 6.30 p.m. Thursday in the North Meeting House (formerly the Roachdale Optimist Building) located at 5 E. Railroad St.

Organizers say the three sheriff's candidates -- incumbent Steve Fenwick, Craig Sibbitt and Scott Stockton -- and the three District 2 commissioner hopefuls -- incumbent Max Watts, John Huber and Rick Woodall -- have all committed to attend.

All six are on the May 6 Republican primary ballot.

To the knowledge of Rachel Mandeville, an event like this has not been staged in Putnam County and she believes that the town will provide a hospitable environment for the night.

"The residents of Roachdale will be the great host town that they are," Mandeville said.

Attendees are asked to show up to submit questions prior to the 6:30 p.m. starting time.

There will be a voter registration table for citizens who are not currently registered; those seeking registration should arrive early.

Candidates will be given five minutes each to talk about themselves and discuss their platform.

Following opening statements will be a formal question and answer period. A meet and greet will take place at the end of the night, providing the opportunity for clarification and additional questions.

Refreshments will be provided and those with additional questions should contact Mandeville.