A candidate forum on October 17 will highlight contested general election races and allow contenders to share with a live audience what sets them apart from the competition. This event will be held at West Shore Community College (WSCC) and feature pivotal state and local competitions on the November 5 general election ballot.

The candidate forum begins at 6:30 p.m. at the college’s Administration & Conference Building (North Lounge), 3000 N. Stiles Road, Scottville. The public is encouraged to submit questions for the candidates ahead of time to local media. Audience members can also submit questions for consideration during the live event.  

“The Chamber, along with our media partners, Ludington Daily News, Mason County Press, and Synergy Media, take a lot of pride in holding this informative event,” said Brandy Miller, president/CEO of the Chamber Alliance of Mason County. “We hope the public will come and hear directly from the candidates on issues affecting Mason County. Audience members may also speak face-to-face with candidates before or after the event.”

Candidates seeking state and national races will respond to questions from local media during the event.

• 101st District - MI Representatives: Christopher Crain (D) and Joseph Fox (R)
• 102nd District - MI Representatives: Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney (D) and Curt Vanderwall (R)
• 2nd District - Congress: Michael Lynch (D) and John Moolenaar (R) 

The forum will also feature the local races on the November ballot. These candidates will introduce themselves, explain why they are seeking an election, and meet with audience members afterward.

• Mason County Central School Board (3 seats): (non-partisan) Nicole Sherretz, Nicole Birkett, and declared write-in candidates, Oscar Davila and Stephanie Stakenas
• Ludington Area School District Board (2 seats): (non-partisan) Leona Ashley, Scott Foster, Bryan McCormick, Alan Neushwander and Mike Wincewski
• City of Ludington 5th Ward: (non-partisan) Wally Cain and Mike Shaw
• Hamlin Township Supervisor: Marta C. Greenslait (R) and Drew Poll (NPA)
• Sheridan Township Supervisor: Jeff Cormany (D) and Kelly Crocker (R)
• Pere Marquette Township Board (4 seats): Andrew Kmetz III (R), James Nordlund (R), Henry Rasmussen (R), Megan Tresnak (R), and Ron Soberalski (D)
• Sherman Township Board (2 seats): Lori Cregg (D), Chelsea Miszewski (R), and William Stakenas (R)

To submit a question for a candidate, please email lois@ludingtondailynews.com or editor@masoncountypress by 5 p.m. Monday, October 14. Questions will be selected at the discretion of the panel.