Oct 10, 2023

Hays' fall election forum set for Oct. 17

Posted Oct 10, 2023 9:30 AM
File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post
File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post

Hays Chamber

The Hays City Commission and USD 489 candidate election forum is set for October 17th at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Fort Hays State University’s campus.

Candidates for the Hays City Commission will open the forum at 6 p.m. and conclude by 7 p.m. After a 15-minute intercession including refreshments, USD 489 school board candidates will take the stage at 7:15 and will conclude no later than 9 p.m.

In a partnership with the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network, and The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, this election forum provides voters in the city of Hays and USD 489 district boundaries the opportunity to learn about each of the candidates and their stances on important community issues.

This event is sponsored by Midwest Energy and The Hays Daily News.

“The American Democracy Project (ADP) is excited to help bring this forum to the Hays community and FHSU students. ADP is a university-wide initiative designed to prepare the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce university graduates who are committed to being active citizens in their communities with civic knowledge, skills, and values,” said Grace McCord, student co-coordinator of ADP.  “This forum provides our students with the opportunity to be civically and politically engaged in the democratic process. One of the best ways we can contribute to democracy is by being well-informed voters.”

“We hope voters take this opportunity to become more informed ahead of the November election by attending these two forums to hear directly from both Hays city commission candidates and USD 489 school board candidates on a variety of topics relevant to serving in these elected positions,” said Brett Zollinger, director of the FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs.

President/CEO of The Chamber in Hays Sarah Wasinger expressed, “Advocacy, accelerating business connections, and community advancement are at the forefront of our daily efforts. One of the best ways we can accomplish that mission is by providing an outlet for the community to educate themselves on candidates seeking office at the local, state, and national level. Our elected officials play an integral role in providing a positive quality of life for Ellis County residents, so we encourage the entire voting community to participate in this educational process.”

To submit questions in advance of the forum, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Those unable to attend the event in person are encouraged to catch the livestream or replay the direct link at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw