Forum to kickoff campaign season for local seats

Published 10:36 am Monday, April 28, 2014

Campaign season is officially underway in Mower County.

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Candidate 101” forum from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Austin Eagles, 107 11th Street NE, for anyone interested in running for elected office.

The free program will provide a well-rounded look at what to expect when running for elected office. Officials from the city, county and school district will provide an overview of offices open for election, how to file for those offices and what to expect once elected.

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Current office holders will share their personal perspectives on campaigning, as well as how they manage personal, professional and elected responsibilities. Media professionals will share their plans for election coverage and provide advice as to how to effectively work with reporters and other members of the media.

A question and answer period will follow the presentations.

Presenters will include Austin City Clerk Ann Kasel, Mower County Auditor-Treasurer Doug Groh, Kaitlyn Bennett from Austin Public Schools, KAUS Regional Manager Bob Mithuen, Mower County Commissioner Polly Glynn, Austin City Council Member Michael Jordal, Richard Lees Austin School Board and representatives from the Austin Daily Herald.

The filing period for local elected offices is May 20 to June 3. Four seats on the Austin School board, three seats on the Mower County Board of Commissioners and four seats on the Austin City Council are up for election Nov. 4. The county seats for auditor-treasurer, county attorney seats, recorder and sheriff are also up for election. All are four year terms.

The seminar is being offered free of charge as a public service by the Chamber and Eagles Aerie No. 703. Materials will be provided. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Call the Chamber at 507-437-4561 to pre-register or for additional information.