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If you are looking to learn more about local political races and issues that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, you'll have a great opportunity to do just that Monday in the auditorium at Steubenville High School.
That's when members of the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women's Club will sponsor their annual political forum.
Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m., when candidates and their surrogates, as well as representatives from groups that have placed issues on the ballot, will be on hand for an informal meet-and-greet session.
Then, at 6:30 p.m., the action will shift to the forum. Expected to appear are candidates for the Jan. 2 seat on the Jefferson County commissioners, Republican Ron "Jake" Kleineke and Democrat Charles Newburn, and candidates for the Jan. 3 seat, incumbent Republican Tony Morelli and Democrat Todd M. Mazzaferro; Democratic candidate for clerk of courts Candy Newburn (incumbent Republican Andrew Plesich will be unable to attend because of a prior commitment, organizers have said); as well as Brian J. Scarpone, candidate for county treasurer, and incumbent county Recorder Scott M. Renforth, both Republicans who are unopposed.
In addition to questions from a media panel that will include Ross Gallabrese, executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times; Dylan Cleland of WTOV-TV; and Steven Moore of WTRF-TV, those in attendance will have the opportunity to submit questions for the candidates.
Time also will be set aside for speakers on state Issue 1, the ballot issue aimed at changing the way Ohio draws its political maps, as well as local issues including the property tax renewal and increase being sought by the Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority and the property tax replacement being sought by the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board.
Area residents who have still not registered to vote will have the opportunity to complete that process between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., thanks to the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.
Monday is the deadline for Ohioans to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election, with early voting in Ohio scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Community forums are an important part of the electoral process. The BPW has sponsored these events across several election cycles to ensure that voters have the chance to learn, firsthand, about the issues and the candidates that are important to their daily lives and communities.
Educated voters will make intelligent choices -- that's why area residents are encouraged to participate in this forum.