Candidates forum set for Thursday

Nevada Daily Mail

Vernon County voters will have a chance this week to meet with candidates before the upcoming Aug. 5 primary election.

A candidates' forum, taking place on the county courthouse lawn, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Jason Claspill presiding. The event will give city and county residents the opportunity to ask questions and hear about candidates' goals for political office.

The order of candidates will be based on ballot location, and then alphabetical order by last name. Each candidate will have three to five minutes to speak and respond to questions.

Phyllis Sprenkle, forum organizer, said the forum will help people become educated voters.

"They need to hear all the candidates before they make a decision on voting," she said.

A total of 14 county residents are vying for six elected positions. For the county presiding commissioner seat, Republicans Rob Selsor and Joe Hardin will face off during the primary before appearing on the ballot against Democrat incumbent Bonnie McCord.

Lone Republican county clerk candidate Mike Buehler will campaign against Democratic candidates Paula Messner or Cindy Winters following the primary in early August.

Three Democrats -- Deb Anderson, Carrie Poe and Lisa Miller -- are running for the circuit clerk position, as well as Republican candidate Moria Randall.

For the prosecuting attorney spot, Democrat incumbent Lynn Ewing III will face Republican Dustin Dunfield later this year.

Two races feature incumbents without opposition. Republican Doug Shupe runs for re-election as recorder of deeds, while Neal Quitno has filed for re-election as associate circuit judge.

Another forum is planned for later in the year with candidates at the state and congressional level.