Northwest Michigan Industrial Association

 

To assist voters in making their selections at the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election, a community candidate forum will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 29, in the North Central Michigan College cafeteria in Petoskey.

 

No less than six community organizations will sponsor the free event that includes a political candidate open house for local, state and national races from 6:30-7:30 p.m. During the open house, candidates will be on hand to meet and talk with prospective voters.

 

The open house will be followed by a candidate forum from 7:30-8:30 p.m. for the1st Congressional District seat, the 37th Michigan Senate seat and the 107th house seat. Candidates will respond to a question presented by event moderator Ken Winter, North Central Michigan College adjunct journalism and political science instructor and former Petoskey News-Review editor and publisher.

 

Republican candidates for the First Congressional District seat are Jason Allen, Dan Benishek, Patrick Donlon, Linda Goldthorpe, Don Hooper and Tom Stillings. The lone Democrat is Gary McDowell who will not appear on the primary ballot. Candidates in the 37th Senate race include Republicans Howard Walker and Randy Bishop both of Traverse City. Bob Carr of Mackinac Island, the only Democrat remaining in this race and will not appear on the primary ballot. In the 107th House race, Republican Frank Foster, Pellston faces Mike Patrick of Cedarville, while Democrat Ryan Nelson, of Petoskey squares off against Dick Timmer of Chippewa County. 

 

The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce has partnered with North Central Michigan College, the Little Traverse Association of Home Builders, Northwest Michigan Industrial Association, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and the Petoskey News-Review to offer the community event.

 

Those who cannot attend but would like to watch the forum can join the live video stream of the event that will be available at www.petoskeynews.com.

 

For more information about the event, call the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce at (231) 347-4150.