Mid-Missouri female candidates invited to forum

A number of local candidates for office say they intend to participate in a forum at Lincoln University presented by a nonprofit organization.

The Central Missouri chapter of The Links, Incorporated - a volunteer-service organization comprised of women committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the economic survival of local communities - is to host a Female Candidates Forum from 2-4:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in Room 100 of Page Library on the Lincoln University campus in Jefferson City.

Having confirmed that they have been invited and expect to participate are: Sara Michael, candidate for Missouri House District 60; Judy Ridgeway, for Cole County recorder of deeds; Gaylin Carver, for Cole County associate circuit judge; Ann Moeckli for Cole County clerk; and Deirdre "DK" Hirner for Cole County prosecuting attorney.

Linda Greeson - the Democratic candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives District 59, which includes a portion of eastern Jefferson City, most of Cole County and a portion of northern Miller County - said as of Thursday she hadn't received an invitation for the event.

The newspaper reached out to Nicole Thompson, candidate for Missouri Senate District 6, to see if she also had been invited, but hadn't received her response at press time.

The forum is intended to allow state and local female candidates from Mid-Missouri to share views on women and the African-American community, according to a Links news release. Candidates from Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole and Randolph counties were invited.

Males and females are welcome to attend the event, the release states.

The event is expected to be "an exchange of information so voters are informed."

Questions from the audience will be accepted.