Candidate forum planned for Thursday night

Local candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and answer a series of questions prepared by local media at a public forum Thursday evening.

The forum will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on WBDC 100.9 FM, WITZ 104.7 FM, WQKZ 98.5 FM. Additionally, WITZ will livestream the event on its Facebook page. If you are unable to watch or listen Thursday, WJTS-TV will broadcast it at a later date.

The event will feature local candidates on this year’s General Election ticket. All candidates were sent invitations to attend and participate whether they are running unopposed or not.

The following in contested races have agreed to participate: Circuit Court judge candidate Nathan Verkamp and county council candidates, Todd Cassidy, Matt Brosmer, Atalie Schroering, Doug Uebelhor, and Mike Kluesner.

Councilwoman Sonya Haas, who is also up for reelection, originally stated she would attend but had to bow out for a last-minute scheduling issue.

Commissioner Chad Blessinger and County Surveyor Ken Brosmer will also attend though they are running unopposed.

Each candidate in a contested seat will be given a chance to provide a brief statement before fielding a series of questions prepared by local media and community members. Unopposed candidates will only be given time to give a brief statement.

Christian Blome, dean of Vincennes University Jasper, will moderate the event with Jasper Chamber Executive Director Nancy Eckerle assisting.

The candidate forum is being sponsored by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, VUJ and local media organizations.