State and local officials have been invited to attend a Southern Standard/ WCPI political forum set for this Monday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Warren County Administrative Offices.
“We’d like to invite everyone in the community to hear what these candidates have to say and then go vote,” said Standard publisher Patricia Zechman.
The race for McMinnville mayor is shaping up as a heated battle as Mayor Jimmy Haley is finishing his first term. Haley is trying to fend off a challenge from Terry Mullican, a former alderman. Both have said they will be in attendance Monday.
Kevin Dunlap is finishing his first term as 43rd District representative in the Tennessee House. He faces a challenge from political newcomer Paul Sherrell. The district covers about two-thirds of Warren County and all of White and Grundy counties. Both have committed to be in attendance.
First-term state Sen. Janice Bowling will square off against challenger Mike Winton for the 16th District seat which covers Warren and six other counties. Both have confirmed their attendance.
Scott DesJarlais, the incumbent congressman for the 4th District, has said he will not attend. However his opponent, Steven Reynolds, has confirmed he will be in attendance.
All candidates will be given a chance to make opening remarks and will then be given a chance to answer questions randomly drawn from a fishbowl.
The four candidates running for three alderman seats in McMinnville have also been invited to attend. Ben Newman, Mike Neal, Jimmy Bonner, and Kate Alsbrook will be given a chance to address voters.
Early voting is currently under way at Warren County Administrative Offices. Election Day is Nov. 8.