Judy Martens, Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce executive director said the Legislative Committee would be holding the first political forum at 6 p.m. July 19 at the People Inc Conference Center located on J.T. Stites Boulevard in Sallisaw.
Martens said the candidates who have already signed up are; Gary Taylor, and Jim Rogers, who are running for County Commissioner Dist. 3; incumbent State Rep. Glen “Bud” Smithson (D-Sallisaw) Dist. 2 and John Bennett, Republican who is running against Smithson; State Rep. Ed Cannaday (D-Porum); Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma) who is running for the State Senate Dist. 4 position and Jerry Moore, (D-Tahlequah) and W. Grant Huskey, of Broken Arrow, who is running against Moore.
“The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this forum. Everyone will have a chance to hear from the candidates who are campaigning for public offices in the county, state and even in the U.S. Legislature,” Martens said.
The candidates will have a chance to introduce themselves and speak three to four minutes about their background, work experience, platform and other things. There should be time for those attending the forum to visit with the candidates one on one Martens explained.
“The public is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to meet the candidates who have filed for public offices representing the citizens of Sallisaw and Sequoyah County,” Martens said.
The chamber has to be contacted in order to reserve a time slot for each candidate wishing to speak. She said the deadline for being on the roster to speak is 5 p.m. July 15, and all candidates wishing to speak should call the chamber at (918) 775-2558 or go to the chamber office at 301 E. Cherokee Ave. before the deadline.
