The Jefferson City News Tribune will host several forums next month featuring local candidates in contested races for the April 6 general election.
Because of public health concerns, the forums will be held in a virtual format. Recordings of the forums will be available on the News Tribune's YouTube page and website.
Readers with questions for local candidates are encouraged to submit them via email to [email protected]. Submitted questions will be considered for use in the forums and following election coverage.
Forums for Jefferson City Council candidates in contested races will be March 9-11.
In Ward 2, incumbent Laura Ward is facing a challenge from Edith Vogel. In Ward 3, Mary Schantz and Scott Spencer are vying for the seat currently held by Ken Hussey, who is term-limited. In Ward 4, Derrick Spicer, Leonard Steinman and Ryan Estes are competing for the seat currently held by Carlos Graham, who also is term-limited. In Ward 5, incumbent Mark Schreiber is facing challenger Alicia Edwards.
Steinman has declined to participate in the News Tribune's Ward 4 virtual forum. Ward 1 incumbent David Kemna is running unopposed.
A forum for candidates for Jefferson City municipal judge will be March 16.
Scott Evans and Angela Silvey have filed for the municipal judge position, left open due to Brian Stumpe's election as Cole County associate circuit judge in November.
Candidates for Jefferson City Board of Education will meet in a virtual forum March 16. Voters will select two school board members from a field of three: incumbents Ken Enloe and Lindsey Rowden and challenger Ian Shadrick.
A forum for Blair Oaks R-2 Board of Education candidates will be March 18. Three candidates are vying for the two available seats: incumbents Dale Verslues and Tim Luebbering and challenger Logan Gratz.