WWRSD—The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley (LWV) with the assistance of Westwood Regional High School PSO, will hold a public forum for this year’s school board candidates.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, says in its invitation to those running that it believes citizens should hear their candidates speak on the issues pertaining to the elected office they are seeking, “and a candidate forum is a great opportunity for you to get your message out to the voters.” The League does not support or oppose any candidates or any parties.
The forum will be held at Westwood Regional High School on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Participants will be the candidates, a League trained moderator from outside our community, and Westwood Regional High School PSO.
The public may attend in person or view the proceedings live, and afterward on YouTube. This is note a debate and there will be no public interaction during the interview.
In the Township of Washington incumbent Joseph J. McCallister faces a challenge by Douglas Cusato. In Westwood, three candidates are competing for two seats: incumbent Michelle Sembler and challengers Laura Cooper and Jason R. Garcia.
Each candidate will have the opportunity for a 90 second opening statement. The moderator will then ask the candidates to answer previously provided questions. Each candidate will have 1 minute to answer each question. After the Q&A session, each candidate may deliver a 2 minute closing statement. Organizers are aiming to keep the proceedings to one hour.
LVW says, “To provide a truly impartial Q&A, the questions polled will be selected by the League of Women Voters. (Not all questions polled will be used during the interview, however, all questions that will be asked during the Q&A will be shared in advance with the candidates.) Our moderator may ask you to elaborate on any questions asked should there be a need for further clarification.”
A table outside the auditorium will be available for campaign literature.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
