Candidates' Forum Set for Tonight, Oct. 18, 2011

If you've been looking to learn more about the personalities and the ideas behind all those political signs around town, tonight's League of Women Voters Candidates' Night is a good place to start.

Gina Magennis, president of the League of Women Voters of Canton, said the event will give people a chance to learn a little about the candidates and what they stand for.

"I think this is a way to see the candidates and get a feel of their personalities and what they're like," she said.

Magennis added that it's also a good way to hear some of the issues that are on voters' minds.

The event will feature candidates for the boards of education, selectmen and finance. Different than a debate, residents will submit questions, aided by volunteers from Canton High School, who will distribute index cards. 

Due to time limitations, a league panel will decide which questions to pose. Each question chosen will then be presented to the appropriate group and candidates will be given an allotted time to respond.

At the end of the evening, candidates will be allowed to give a short prepared statement, which can incorporate an issue brought up during the evening, Magennis said.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 in the Canton High School auditorium. It will also be shown on Nutmeg TV at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 6 p.m. on Oct. 30.

The League of Women Voters, according to a press release, is a nonpartisan political organization of men and women, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

See http://canton.lwvconnecticut.org/index.html for more information, including on joining the Canton League.