League of Women Voters hosting September forums in three cities

The League of Women Voters of the Holland Area will host three public forums in September to give residents a chance to hear directly from local candidates before they head to the polls.

Organizers say the events are designed to keep the spotlight on community issues rather than national politics. The forums are nonpartisan and are intended to provide a civil, structured space where voters can learn where candidates stand.

“We never support or oppose political parties or candidates, and the purpose is to provide an opportunity for citizens to learn what their candidates are proposing or wish to accomplish,” says Jan Dalman, co-chair of voter services, who is coordinating the forums along with the other co-chair, Anna Perales. “It’s an open forum, well moderated, and audience members provide the questions.”

Each forum will begin with two-minute introductions from the candidates, followed by audience questions submitted on note cards. A moderator will screen questions to avoid duplication or inappropriate comments before reading them aloud. Each candidate will have 90 seconds to respond.

Zeeland City Council Forum

• When: Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.
   
• Where: Howard Miller Community Center
   
• Moderator: Penny Shuff 

Candidates are competing for three four-year seats. 

Holland Mayoral and City Council Forum

• When: Sept. 16, 6 p.m.
   
• Where: Holland City Hall, Council Chambers
   
• Moderator: Marcia Bishop

Mayoral candidates invited: Incumbent Nathan Bocks and challenger Brian Everitt.
City Council candidates invited: Incumbent Quincy Byrd and his challenger, Abby Klomparens; and incumbent Bylinda Sol and her challenger, Tim Marroquin.

Saugatuck City Council Forum

• When: Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m.
   
• Where: Media Center, Saugatuck High School
   
• Moderator: Claudia Berry

Candidates invited include: Council incumbents Joe Clark and Russ Gardner, along with challengers John Mayer and Sherry Tedaldi; Mayor Holly Anderson, who is running for re-election.

League forums have long history

The League of Women Voters has hosted candidate forums locally for more than 40 years. Nationally, the organization once moderated presidential debates. Locally, its mission is to give voters direct access to their candidates in a respectful environment.

“It’s one of the events that we really run well,” Dalman says. “People are valued by their opinions, and the moderator ensures the process is fair and respectful. It’s a very safe, very well-processed operation.”

League forums are one way residents can strengthen democracy at the local level. The organization also offers educational programs on policy issues, without taking partisan positions, and partners with county clerks to encourage voter registration.

Community members can volunteer to help with forums, assist with voter outreach, or train as poll watchers to support fair elections. 

Dalman adds that people interested in civic engagement can also attend informational meetings the League hosts on local and state issues.