The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Okanogan County Board of Commissioners candidates will address the public in an open forum Thursday, October 13, in Coulee Dam at Lake Roosevelt Schools.

The forum, sponsored by the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place in the elementary side cafeteria, from 7-9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30.

Two commissioner positions are at stake in the election.

Chamber Vice President Bob Valen, of Lincoln County, will moderate.

Republican incumbent Sheilah Kennedy, of Okanogan, faces challenger and independent Chris Branch, Omak, for her District 1 seat, which includes the Nespelem-to-Coulee Dam area.

For the District 2 position, Republican Andy Hover, Winthrop, faces Ashley Thrasher, Twisp, who states no party preference.

All county voters will choose for both positions in the general election.

The chamber was approached by two organizations seeking an neutral organization to host a forum, said chamber Executive Director Peggy Nevsimal. The League of Women Voters had asked about hosting a forum during the primary election season, but it was too late to make arrangments. And Represent Okanogan County, a group advocating a change in leadership also asked for an independent forum for voters.

All four candidates have said they will attend, Nevsimal said.

Other candidate forums scheduled in the county include:

• Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Oroville Forum with state and local candidates at Vicki’s Backdoor Club, 1413 Main Street in Oroville, sponsored by Oroville Chamber of Commerce.

• Oct. 12, 7-9 p.m., at Okanogan Grange, 305 Tyee Street in Okanogan, sponsored by the Okanogan Grange #1103.

• Oct. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. Twisp Forum, Twisp Valley Grange Hall, 344 W. 2nd Avenue, Twisp.