[dropcap type=”3″]M[/dropcap]aricopa High School is hosting the InMaricopa.com Town Hall Aug. 4 at the MHS Performing Arts Center. The free event is open to the public and will feature at least 33 candidates in 10 races.[quote_box_right]IF YOU GO
What: Primary Election Town Hall
When:  Saturday, Aug. 4
Where: Maricopa High School Performing Arts Center, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave. | Maricopa, AZ 85139
Format: Town Hall
Schedule (tentative) and participating candidates
Cost: Free
RSVP: MaricopaEvents.com
Facilitators: Mayor Christian Price, Judge Lyle Riggs, Janeen Rohovit
Questions: 520-568-0040, [email protected][/quote_box_right]

Maricopa High School is hosting the InMaricopa.com Town Hall Aug. 4 at the MHS Performing Arts Center. The free event is open to the public and will feature at least 32 candidates in 10 races.

Among the candidates who have committed to attend are all three Republican candidates for U.S. Congress District 1, six candidates for Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates utility services, and seven candidates for Maricopa City Council.

“Our mission is to prepare students to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens, and this town hall will not only provide such opportunities for our students but for all residents of Maricopa,” said Maricopa Unified School District Superintendent Tracey Lopeman. “Government affects every facet of our lives – especially public education – and to make the changes we want in our society, it’s imperative we be educated on and engaged in the political process.”

Candidates will take questions from the audience in attendance and watching live through social media. InMaricopa.com Editor Raquel Hendrickson said the town hall format would allow voters latitude to challenge the candidates about their positions. “We want to markedly reduce the role of the moderator and let citizens get the answers to questions they want to ask. We want a format that would allow candidates to more fully engage with each other on the issues.”

The Town Hall will be separated into time blocks. The first block starts at 10 a.m. with Congressional District 1 GOP candidates Wendy Rogers, Tiffany Shedd and Steve Smith. Gubernatorial candidates Ken Bennett and Kelly Fryer as well as candidates for superintendent of public instruction, treasurer and Corporation Commission will also participate. The three Republicans seeking two seats in the Arizona House have confirmed their participation, as have all candidates for city council and constable.

“Our goal is to inform our readers and viewers,” Hendrickson said. “Our community will be much better served if we go to the polls with an understanding of the issues and the candidates who want to represent us in public office.”

Among the facilitators for the Town Hall are Maricopa Mayor Christian Price and Judge Lyle Riggs. They will enforce simple rules that apply to the candidates and audience alike: Be respectful, be succinct, stay on topic and don’t repeat yourself.

Price, a three-term mayor whose term runs through 2020, invites Maricopans and those from outside the city to attend: “Join me Aug. 4 to learn about the people wanting to represent you and your family in public office.”

Please RSVP at MaricopaEvents.com.

 

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR