Candidate forum questions requested by Thursday

SEQUIM — The public is asked to provide questions for a candidate forum involving hopefuls for the 6th Congressional District and the state Legislature.

The deadline for questions is Thursday for the United Peninsula Candidate Forum set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Gardiner Community Center at 980 Old Gardiner Road.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for seating, and those who want seats are asked to arrive then. A section in front will be reserved for mobility-challenged public and members of the press.

Members of the public are asked to submit questions to TeamJefferson@protonmail.com or text/call Therese (Tree) Stokan at 360-640-0658.

The forum, which organizers describe as non-partisan, is co-sponsored by Health Freedom Information (HFI) and Olympic Peninsula Independent Activists (OPIA), groups based in Jefferson and Clallam counties.

As of Monday, Elizabeth Kreiselmeier, a Gig Harbor Republican, and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat — who will be represented by his campaign manager, Kevin Schilling — had confirmed participation in the segment of the forum dedicated to the 6th Congressional District.

Also having confirmed were candidates for Legislative District 24 Brian Pruiett, a Carlborg Republican running for Position 1 against Rep. Steve Tharinger, a Port Townsend Democrat; and Sue Forde, a Sequim Republican, running for Position 2 against Rep. Mike Chapman, a Port Angeles Democrat.

The groups said in a press release that they were awaiting confirmation from Tharinger and Chapman.

Questions received from the public will be consolidated by topic and compiled to reflect the public interest, organizers said.

Candidates will be given the compiled questions on Friday of this week to allow for preparation and response, according to the press release.

Candidates will be allotted equal time for their introductory statements and responses to the public.