Shoshone County candidate forum slated Oct. 29

The Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce and Shoshone News-Press will co-host a bipartisan political forum at Shoshone Golf Club later this month.

All local and district candidates have been invited to attend the forum, scheduled just a few days before voters will head to the polls and cast their votes.  

“These events are invaluable to the public,” Shoshone News-Press local editor Josh McDonald said. “They give voters an opportunity to meet and interact with the candidates in a public setting.”  

Past Chamber President Keri Alexander, former publisher of the Shoshone News-Press, spent decades working in and around the county’s political sphere and is happy to see the return of the bipartisan forum.  

“We know how important it is to support our local economy to make it thrive,” Alexander said. “I believe the backbone of strength in one’s community is the privilege to run for city and county positions in local government. It’s essential for the candidates to come together in a safe and fair forum to share their ideas, platform and objectives regarding the position they’re seeking.”  

Each candidate will have the opportunity to present their platform, explain why they’re the best fit for office and answer a few questions.  

Chamber President Juli Zook and McDonald will emcee the event.

“I am looking forward to seeing the public at our bipartisan forum,” Zook said. “These events have always been well-attended and are informative events that allow us to get to know the candidates who will be affecting our daily lives.”  

Several positions were effectively decided during the primary elections in May, but there are a few local and district elections that have multiple candidates running and the upcoming forum will allow these candidates one last opportunity to answer questions from their potential constituents.  

“In today’s obsession with social media platforms, we’ve lost that face-to-face relationship with neighbors, friends and even family,” Alexander said. “Local government and local politics are too important to let go of this key component of allowing partisan politics to come together, in person, at political forums and events, to share their stories. The voter deserves to hear their stories prior to the election, and the candidates deserve the opportunity to share themselves and their policy.” 

The Shoshone County Bipartisan Candidate Forum is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. at Shoshone Golf Club in Big Creek.  

For more information, or to confirm your spot at the forum, contact Juli Zook at 208-659-1764.