By Mary Beth McAuley
Special to The SUN
On Nov. 5, a general election will be held by mail-in ballot to fill two local school board seats, as well as to decide two statewide ballot issues.
The Archuleta County League of Women Voters will sponsor a candidate and issues forum on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the Extension Building at the fairgrounds.
Candidates will be available to meet with the public at 6 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:30. Each candidate will be introduced and will make an opening statement, then answer questions from the League. Afterward, the floor will be opened to questions from the audience.
There will be a short presentation of the pros and cons of the two ballot issues. The first is Proposition AA, the retail marijuana tax; the second is Amendment 66, a constitutional funding request for specific monies for Colorado public schools. Following the prepared statement, questions from the audience will be welcomed.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, promotes informed and active participation in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. It was founded in 1920 to promote political responsibility through knowledgeable citizen participation in local, state and national government. Nationwide, there are approximately 80,000 members. The Colorado State League has 1,500 members at present. The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes any candidate or party; however, the League does take positions on issues based on in-depth study and provides voters with that analysis.
The Archuleta County LWV has just established a web page available at lwvarchuletacounty.org. In the future, the League will be posting observations of the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners and other activities of interest to Pagosa citizens. Local League membership is $15, and all citizens regardless of gender are encouraged to join and get involved.
For additional information on the forum, contact Mary Beth McAuley at 264-2566. Voters are reminded that this election will be conducted by mail-in ballots only.
