Candidate debates set for Oct. 2, 9 at Watson Forum

Monday, September 24, 2018

The Greencastle League of Women Voters, WGRE Radio and the Banner Graphic are co-sponsoring two Candidate Forum nights in October.

Tuesday, Oct. 2 will feature candidates for state and national races in the Nov. 6 general election, while county candidates will be on stage Tuesday, Oct. 9.

The program both nights will start at 7 p.m. in Watson Forum of the DePauw University Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media, 609 S. Locust St.

The forum also will be broadcast live on WGRE radio (91.5 FM) and on Greencastle’s local cable access Channel 3.

The League of Women Voters encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The forum is intended as an opportunity for the public to hear the candidates’ views and have campaign issues discussed publicly.

All candidates for the following contested races were invited to participate, Indiana House of Representatives (District 44), Beau Baird (R) and Kim Fidler (D); U.S. House of Representatives (4th District), Jim Baird (R) and Tobi Beck (D); County Council (District 3), Danny Wallace (R) and Matt Cummings (D); County Commissioner (District 2), Rick Woodall (R) and Steve Cash (D); Floyd Township trustee, Marsha Carrington (R) and Tom Chiarella (D); Madison Township trustee, Jeffrey Alexander (R) and J. D. Grove (D); Greencastle Township trustee, Steve Butts (R) and Russell Harvey (D); and Clinton Township trustee, Tina Sillery (R) and Chelsea Fidler (D).

Fidler and Beck have confirmed their participation for the Oct. 2 forum. Meanwhile, both Bairds have declined to participate, the League of Women Voters reported.

Commissioner candidates Woodall, the incumbent, and challenger Cash will both participate in Oct. 9 forum as will Cummings, Chiarella, Grove and Harvey. All other candidates have declined the invitation.

Woodall is the lone incumbent and only Republican candidate to confirm his participation in the event.

At the conclusion of each forum, audience members will be allowed to ask questions of the candidates.

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  • Not surprised in the Baird candidates not showing.....

    -- Posted by kubotafan on Tue, Sep 25, 2018, at 7:43 AM
  • Pretty sad that all candidates are not debating. Doesn't give me much hope or trust in the ones running for office!!

    -- Posted by Falcon9 on Tue, Sep 25, 2018, at 11:18 AM
  • I, for one, won't vote for any candidate that refuses to participate in something like this. Part of a politician's job is listening to and responding to questions from constituents. If you're not willing to do that, I am not willing to cast a vote for you to represent me at any level of government. We should all feel and act the same.

    -- Posted by Koios on Tue, Sep 25, 2018, at 2:04 PM
  • I totally disagree. There are many ways to communicate with the voters and this is just one vehicle. I know where the Baird's stand due to their excellent communication and Jim's past record.

    I have also found debates to lack significant discussion. I appreciate the strong stand by erjvh but participating in a debate is not my litmus test on who to vote for nor should it be.

    -- Posted by beg on Tue, Sep 25, 2018, at 3:16 PM
  • As a Republican, I thought the sherif debate was really good inciteful and helped my decision in the primary. If you think they lack discussion, maybe you should show up and ask questions? I think sum of thos peeple are getting to cozey with their government jobs that they don't need to show up.

    -- Posted by averagewhineguy on Tue, Sep 25, 2018, at 7:36 PM
  • Excellent communication, beg? Where has your head been buried?

    -- Posted by Falcon9 on Tue, Sep 25, 2018, at 7:54 PM
  • I am curious why you don't think I attend? I would prefer conversation instead of shot taking and assumptions.

    In reality, it is a bad look for Republicans but the candidates from both parties are beholden to their party leadership.

    In essence, what they say during this time becomes irrelevant. History proves this. Just the reality of things.

    I could be accused of being cynical. I see it differently. I believe in the adage- Listen with one ear and watch with two eyes- and that adage tells me what is shared will get lost in the demands of party leadership.

    -- Posted by beg on Thu, Sep 27, 2018, at 9:02 AM
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