Republican Women of Central Announce “Meet the Candidates” Forum

Submitted by Betsy Barnes

    The race for statewide elections is on, with qualifying in less than a month. The Republican Women of Central are wasting no time planning their next event, giving citizens a chance to meet candidates in each of the state and local races.

    “Barbecue and Saucy Political Conversation” are on the menu for Monday, September 19, 2011. RWC is hosting a “MEET THE CANDIDATES FORUM” for the voters of greater Baton Rouge, Central, Baker, Zachary and surrounding areas at Pit Crew Barbecue, located on the corner of Hooper and Shady Bluff Roads.

    Doors open at 6p.m., meeting and “stump speeches” begin at 6:30p.m.

Cost is $15 per person for the meeting, including barbecue buffet, cold drinks and dessert.  Voter registration and party affiliation change forms will be available.

    Election Day is scheduled for October 22, 2011 for state primaries, parish and municipal offices and well as several proposed amendments on the ballot.

    Pit Crew Barbecue owner and NHRA Drag Racing Champion Harold Laird is sponsoring the event on his day off, serving his mouth-watering, hot-off-the-grill specialties so RWC members, friends, and candidates can relax together for a casual meal.

    Laird also knows the importance of strong voter participation in this upcoming election, and is no stranger to tough competition to a national audience.

    All Republican candidates who qualify by the September 8 deadline are invited to greet, meet, eat and speak before the crowd. Candidates are welcome to bring information about their campaigns and network with attendees, but are asked to register with RWC before September 15 to be added to list of speakers.

    One of RWC’s main objectives is to give people a chance to meet and become better acquainted with those leading in state and parish government. The premise being if citizens feel comfortable communicating directly with those elected, they can build a working relationship focused on a shared vision, issues and needs. The result is an increase in voter participation in elections and during the governing process. The benefit is that democracy is strengthened and people have a voice in the process and results.

    All state elected positions are up for grabs – Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Commissioner of Forestry and Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, Senate and State Representatives, to name a few. Parish Sherriff and Clerk of Court are also up for re-election.

    Reservations for the Sept. 19th event can be made by emailing [email protected]. Information on RWC and membership can be found on www.lfrw.org/republicanwomenofcentral.