Library hosts forums

Learn about the candidates running for Sweetwater County Commission at upcoming forums sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System.

The forums will be on Aug. 8 at White Mountain Library, 2935 Sweetwater Drive in Rock Springs. The forum for candidates running as Democrats will be at 6 p.m. and the forum for those running as Republicans will be at 7 p.m.

“Since these forums are before the primary election, we decided to separate the candidates by party,” Rock Springs Library Manager Lindsey Travis, said. “We will have another forum with the candidates who make it through the primary sometime this fall.”

Seven candidates are running for two open spots on the commission. The Democrats are Mark Peterson, Bodan Janota, Holly Dabb, and Gary Bailiff, and the Republicans are incumbent Don Van Matre, incumbent Wally Johnson, and Raymond Avery.

Two from each party will make it through to the General Election.

The Primary Election takes place Aug. 16 and the General Election is Nov. 8.

The format for the forums will be similar to that of previous forums sponsored by the library system.

Each candidate will be allowed to give a three-minute opening statement.

A panel made up of members of the local media and community leaders will ask questions that all the candidates will have the opportunity to answer. Candidates will also give a three-minute closing statement.

These forums are sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System.