Inquirer, GOP co-sponsor local candidate forum

The Gonzales Inquirer and the Republican Party of Gonzales County will join forces again to co-sponsor a Meet and Greet Candidate Forum on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Gonzales American Legion Post 40, 1612 Robertson St., Gonzales.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for meet and greet and the forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. Lew K. Cohn, publisher of the Gonzales Inquirer, will serve as moderator, while Betty Cohn will serve as the official timekeeper for the event. The host for the event is Gonzales County GOP Chair Liz Hernandez.

Candidates for contested offices in the March 5 Republican primary — Precinct 1 Commissioner, Precinct 3 Commissioner and Precinct 1 Constable as well as candidates for House District 44 — will introduce themselves and then be asked a series of questions by the moderator, with each being given a minute to respond. The candidates will then give a brief closing statement.

This is not a debate and candidates will not address each other, but instead will address the audience when giving their answers. The event is being held as a friendly exercise in the political process and as a way for voters to get to know those who wish to serve the community in these elected positions.

Candidates for other offices, including uncontested local races as well as state and federal races, are welcome to set up a table, distribute literature and be introduced and give a two-minute “elevator speech” about their candidacy for office and why they are best qualified for the position.

Set up time for candidates is at 5 p.m.

Admission to the forum is free and seating is first-come, first-served.