WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The College Republicans and College Democrats will co-host a candidate forum for those running for local offices beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Melton Hall Room 112 on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus.

This free event is open to all.

Organizers said each candidate will be given time for a brief presentation, followed by a question/answer time from audience members.

“The national and statewide races receive widespread media coverage, but we don’t often get the chance to hear directly from our local candidates,” said Barbara Nyden, assistant professor of accounting/entrepreneurship, who is coordinating the event with Dr. Gary Phillips, associate professor of communications.  “This forum will give the voters that opportunity.”

Nyden and Phillips have attempted to invite all candidates running for area county offices, state representative and state senate positions to participate in this event, they said.  Candidates are encouraged to contact Phillips at 417-255-7283 or GaryPhillips@MissouriState.edu or Nyden at 417-255-7279 or BNyden@MissouriState.edu if they would like to take part.

“We realize schedules are complicated this close to the election, but we hope they will attend,” Phillips said.  “If they personally cannot, we encourage them to send a representative in their place.”