The Peninsula Clarion and KDLL 91.9 FM candidate forums will continue this month with candidates for each of the races for local seats on the Alaska Legislature.
The Clarion and KDLL are for the third year hosting the series of live, open-to-the-public candidate forums ahead of the municipal and general elections, in partnership with the Central Kenai Peninsula League of Women Voters, KBBI AM 890 and KSRM 920 AM. All forums run from 6 to 7 p.m. in local libraries.
Throughout October, we hosted forums with candidates for races in Tuesday’s municipal election. On Monday, Oct. 7, we’ll return to the Soldotna Public Library with candidates for the District D seat on the Alaska Senate: incumbent Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, and challenger Rep. Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski.
Tina Wegener, a registered Democrat also running for the seat, said she will be unable to attend.
Forums continue in Soldotna for the following two Mondays. On Oct. 14, a forum will be held with candidates for House District 7. Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, is expected to participate and former Rep. Ron Gillham, R-Kenai, has been invited. On Oct. 21, the forum will feature candidates for House District 8, Bill Elam and John Hillyer.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, we’ll be at the Seward Community Library and Museum with candidates for House District 5. Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, will participate via video conference with challenger Leighton Radner at the library.
The final forum of the season will be held on Oct. 29 with candidates for House District 6. Expected to participate at the Homer Public Library are Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, and challengers Brent Johnson and Dawson Slaughter.
Forums will be moderated by KDLL reporter Ashlyn O’Hara, KBBI reporter Jamie Diep, and Clarion general assignment reporter Jake Dye. Questions asked during the forums will come from KDLL, KBBI, the Clarion and KSRM, in addition to questions submitted by members of the public in advance at info@kdll.org.
Each forum will also be livestreamed on the “Peninsula Clarion” Facebook page and broadcast live on the radio at KDLL 91.9 FM, KBBI 890 AM, KSRM 920 AM or KSRM 92.5 FM. Forums can also be heard as a podcast through services like Apple Podcast under “Kenai Conversation.”
More information about the KDLL and Peninsula Clarion 2024 Candidate Forum Series can be found online at kdll.org or at peninsulaclarion.com.
In-person candidate forum series schedule
Monday, Oct. 7 — Senate District D, at the Soldotna Public Library
Thursday, Oct. 10 — House District 5, at the Seward Community Library
Monday, Oct. 14 — House District 7, at the Soldotna Public Library
Monday, Oct. 21 — House District 8, at the Soldotna Public Library
Tuesday, Oct. 29 — House District 6, at the Homer Public Library
Tuesday, Nov. 5 — Election Day!
