Voters forums to be held in Clinton

The Clinton Progressive Association and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce will present two forums for voters to hear from the candidates on the November ballot and from supporters and opponents of the South Whidbey School District’s proposed bond measure.

The Clinton Progressive Association and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce will present two forums for voters to hear from the candidates on the November ballot and from supporters and opponents of the South Whidbey School District’s proposed bond measure.

At the first meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 12, candidates for the 10th District positions in the Washington House of Representatives will speak: Rep. Norma Smith (R-Clinton) and her opponent, Democrat Laura Lewis, and Rep. Barbara Bailey (R-Oak Harbor) and her challenger, Tom Riggs, a Democrat.

Other candidates at the forum are Island County Assessor Dave Mattens, a Democrat, and his challenger, Mary Engle, a Republican. County Commissioner John Dean, a Democrat, and Kelly Emerson, the Republican running for the board of county commissioners, will also give short presentations and answer questions.

At the second voters’ forum on Tuesday, Oct. 19, candidates for county coroner and county clerk will speak. Republican Robert Bishop is seeking reelection as coroner against independent challenger Paul Thompson.

Debra Van Pelt, a Democrat running for county clerk, and Ana Maria Nuñez, a Democrat running for county treasurer, will also speak.

Shawn Nowlin (of the school bond yes committee) and Damian Greene (from the school bond no group) will also be available.

Both programs will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Clinton Community Hall, located on Highway 525 and Humphrey Road.