Qualifying Opens, First Candidate Public Forum Monday

Photos by Michael Spangler
    The first public candidate forum will be held this coming Monday, February 17th in the Central High School Auditorium.  The forum is being put on by the Republican Women of Central and the City of Central Republican Coalition.  It is being broadcast live on Talk 107.3FM, hosted by Bill Profita, for anyone who cannot attend in person.  There will be a candidate meet and greet at 6PM when the candidates will be available to meet you and answer your questions.  The forum will run from 6:30 until 8PM, featuring candidates for Mayor, City Council, and Chief of Police.  Candidates will share why they deserve to be elected to represent the people of Central.  This event is open to all Central citizens.
    Live radio coverage of the RWC/Republican Coalition Pre-Forum Show starts at 4PM on Talk 107.3FM.  The first hour of the show will include interviews featuring Senator Bodi White and Mayor Mac Watts, as well as interviews with citizens who played a large role in the Central Incorporation, including Russell Starns, Marty Guilbeau, and Wendi Bonvillain.    Hour 2 will feature guests speaking about Central today, including David Barrow and other guests.
    The election for Central’s Mayor, City Council, and Chief of Police will be held on April 5th.  As of the print deadline for this week’s issue, Dave Freneaux and Jr. Shelton have qualified for the Mayor’s race, while Kerry Clark and James Salsbury have qualified to run for Chief of Police.  Candidates who have qualified for the City Council race are June Dupuy, Jason Ellis, Shane Evans, Kim Fralick, Eric Frank, Wayne Messina, Aaron Moak, and Harry Rauls.  Mike Gardner, John Vance, and Ralph Washington have announced their intent to run but had not yet qualified as of Wednesday morning.  Qualifying is open through this Friday.

Pictured below left: Mayoral Candidate Jr. Shelton with wife Rita
Pictured below right: Mayoral Candidate Dave Freneaux with wife Mia