Media outlets, chamber partner to host candidate forum

In an unprecedented show of unity, all of Maricopa’s major media outlets are teaming with the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce to host a candidate forum for the 2010 city of Maricopa elections.

The Chamber, along with its media partners, will present the 2010 Maricopa Candidate Forum both for the mayoral and council candidates. The event is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 30, pending final selection of an event location.

Citizens and local groups are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates by regular mail or e-mail to any of the four media sources or the chamber for consideration for the forum.

Declared mayoral candidates are incumbent Mayor Anthony Smith and challengers Leon Potter and Ken Hunt.

Declared council candidates for the three available seats are incumbents Edward Farrell and Brent Murphree and challengers Rosalin Sanhadja, Dallas Paulsen, Bridger Kimball, Alan Marchione, Peg Chapados and Julia Romero-Gusse.

The primary election is set for March 9. Candidates that do not receive the required 50 percent plus one of the total vote will move on to a runoff on May 18, with only the top two vote getters for each of the seats moving forward.

Look for more information on this event in the days ahead.

Submitted image