Primary 'Meet the Candidates' forum is April 20

In preparation for the primary election, The Owen News will host a "Meet the Candidates" event on Monday, April 20 at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, located at 24. N. Washington St., Spencer.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Candidates appearing on the primary ballot for either the Republican or Democratic parties for state and county-level offices are invited to participate. Each candidate will be given up to two minutes to introduce themselves, if they choose. Candidates who are unable to attend may submit a written introduction in advance, which will be read on their behalf during the program.

Following introductions, candidates in contested primary races will have the opportunity to answer questions posed by the moderator, Nicole DeCriscio, Executive Editor of The Owen News.

Other candidates are welcome to stay for individual questions from constituents and mingling following the end of the program.

In addition to the live forum, all primary candidates will be invited to respond to a candidate questionnaire that will appear in a special election section published with the April issue of The Owen News. The section is designed to provide readers with additional information about candidates and voting information ahead of the primary election.

"We see this as a natural extension of our reporting," DeCriscio said. "Our mission is to provide reliable, fact-based information that helps our community make informed decisions. Hosting a public forum and publishing a comprehensive candidate questionnaire ensures voters have direct access to the people asking to represent them."

She added that convening candidates and community members in the same space reflects the newspaper's role beyond publishing.

"Local newspapers have always served as a forum for civic life," DeCriscio said. "By bringing candidates and residents together at the Tivoli, we're helping create transparency and accountability while giving the community the information it needs in one place."

Coverage of the "Meet the Candidates" event will be published online at theowennews.org and featured in the May issue of The Owen News.

Candidates interested in participating or submitting an introduction in advance should contact The Owen News for additional details.