First of two political forums set tonight at MTI amphitheater

Talk about it

The first of two public forums on local races and ballot issues is scheduled for this evening.

The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee is sponsoring the forums. The second forum is next Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Both forums will be held at the Mitchell Technical Institute Technology Center Amphitheater, 1800 E. Spruce. They will start at 7 p.m.

There are three parts to tonight’s forum.

The three candidates for two seats in the state House representing District 20 will speak in a 45-minute segment.

State Rep. Lance Carson, R-Mitchell, fellow Republican candidate Tona Rozum and independent candidate Becky Haslam will make opening statements and then field questions from local media and members of the audience.

The two candidates for Davison County auditor, incumbent Susan Kiepke, a Republican, and independent challenger Val Anderson will then take the stage.

They will also make opening statements before taking questions. That segment is slated for 30 minutes.

The initiated measure on the designation of city-owned land near Lake Mitchell will cap off the evening.

City Council President Jeff Smith will offer a 10-minute presentation on the issue before accepting questions.

Local residents gathered 550 signatures earlier this year to force a vote to label two parcels of city property near Lake Mitchell as well as all city land on the shoreline of the lake park land.

Sonya Moller of the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce said while Smith was invited to serve as an impartial speaker to present the facts and history of the matter, the Chamber did ask people who favor the passage of the ordinance to speak.

“We did invite others to participate and we were declined,” Moller said.

The second forum, Tuesday, Oct. 26, will feature another legislative race and local ballot issue.

City Councilman Mel Olson will speak against Sunday offsale of hard liquor, while Mayor Lou Sebert will speak in favor of the ordinance during the forum.

They will then take questions from the media and audience.

Currently, beer and other malt beverages may be purchased to go at numerous locations on Sundays. Bars may sell beer and alcoholic beverages seven days a week.

But no hard liquor may be bought and taken from a business on Sunday in Mitchell. A change in state law allowed communities to choose to do so if they wish.

On July 6, 2009, the Mitchell City Council voted to allow Sunday off-sale of alcoholic beverages. A local group led by Rev. Carroll Torberson led a petition drive to place the issue on the Nov. 2 ballot, blocking the implementation of the law.

Next Tuesday’s forum also will include a discussion between candidates for the District 20 state Senate seat.

State Sen. Mike Vehle, RMitchell, Democratic candidate Susan Thie and independent candidate Steve “Sibby” Sibson will speak and then field questions during their 45-minute segment.

Two members of the Chamber committee will serve as moderators for the forums. Daryl Kilstrom will be in charge tonight, and Denny Kaemingk will be the moderator next week.

The Daily Republic will webcast both forums live at www.mitchellrepublic.com.

Tags: election 2010, news, local, forums, debates, fccnetwork