Residents interested in hearing what their political candidates have to say will have to wait a little longer.

Tuesday, October 10, 2000

Residents interested in hearing what their political candidates have to say will have to wait a little longer.

Local chapter officials with the American Association of Retired Persons have changed their candidates forum to Oct. 26 because Congress is still in session, Ann Lemley said.

"The reason we made the change in the date is it’s not believed that Congress will be out by Oct. 16 and will have their work finished, so we’re going with Oct. 26," Mrs. Lemley said.

Other than that, everything will be the same, she said.

State, federal and local candidates for office will make presentations and answer audience questions at AARP’s forum – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Bowman Auditorium at Ohio University Southern Campus.

The Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will join AARP at the forum, helping host the event. Panelists from the AARP, the chamber and other groups will offer questions to candidates.

The audience will also be able to quiz candidates on issues that will decide who’s elected Nov. 7, Mrs. Lemley said.

Scheduled candidates include:

– Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland and his Republican challenger Mike Azinger.

– Lawrence County incumbent Sheriff Roy Smith, a Democrat, and Republican sheriff’s candidate Tim Sexton.

– Four candidates for the two seats on the county commission. They are Democrat Ron James and Republican Jason Stephens; and incumbent Democrat George Patterson and Republican Les Boggs.

Unopposed candidates making presentations at the forum will be Ohio Rep. Bill Ogg of the 92nd House district and Rep. John Carey of the 94th House district.

AARP is a nonpartisan group and does not support or oppose candidates or political parties, Mrs. Lemley said.

The organization also does not have a political action committee or contribute money in any political race.

Instead, AARP encourages Americans to become informed voters, sponsoring events such as the forum to help voters learn where candidates stand on issues important to them, she said.