Kelly Smith Johnston participates in during a debate in July held by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce.
Former Centralia Mayor Bonnie Canaday, right, speaks during a debate hosted in August by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce. Canaday is challenging Julie Shaffley, left, for her seat on the Port of Centralia Commission.
Centralia City Council candidate Elizabeth Cameron speaks during a debate held in July by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce.
A forum featuring candidates running for the Centralia City Council, Centralia School Board and Port of Centralia is scheduled for Monday evening.
The forum, hosted by Centralia College and the Centralia Downtown Association starts at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at Centralia College’s TransAlta Commons.
“The goal of this forum, hosted by Centralia College and the Centralia Downtown Association, is to provide Centralia voters with the opportunity to hear from the candidates running for local office and have their questions answered,” according to a news release from the Centralia Downtown Association.
Voters can meet candidates informally starting at 6 p.m., with the formal question and answer period starting at 6:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to anyone.
There are two contested and one uncontested Centralia City Council races on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.
In position 1, an at-large position, Elizabeth Cameron is facing Matt Evans. Both would be newcomers to the council.
In position 2, incumbent and current Mayor Lee Coumbs is facing challenger Kelly Smith Johnston. Councilor Peter Abbarno is running unopposed.
In the Port of Centralia’s lone race on the ballot, incumbent Julie Shaffley is challenged by former Centralia City Councilor and Centralia Mayor Bonnie Canaday.
The Centralia School District has several contested races. In position 2, Beverly Clark is facing John Elmore — both would be newcomers. Position 2 is currently held by Kim Ashmore.
In position 3, Alma Neuert is facing Vickie Jackson — both would be newcomers to the board. Position 3 is currently held by board president Robert D. Fuller.
In position 4, incumbent Jami Lund is challenged by Mandi McDougal.
