American Legion candidate forum set for Wednesday in Ephrata

EPHRATA — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for local, legislative and statewide offices during a candidate forum Wednesday evening hosted by American Legion Art Semro Post 28. 

The forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the American Legion post home, 276 Eighth Ave. NW in Ephrata. Doors open at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

According to a news release from the post, all candidates in contested races appearing on Grant County ballots were invited to participate. American Legion members and the Auxiliary said the event is intended to give residents a chance to hear candidates discuss issues and answer questions before Election Day. 

“They hear out of their own mouth what their plan is, rather than reading in the paper or what somebody else says about it,” Art Semro Post 28 President Mike Montaney said. 

Candidates expected to attend include Grant County Assessor candidates Clayton Johnson and Anson Bartrand; Grant County Auditor candidates Shannon Falstad and Darci Homesley; Grant County Commissioner District 3 candidates Kelly Raap and Shannon Durfee; Grant County Sheriff candidates Darrik Gregg and Joey Kriete; Grant County Superior Court Judge candidates Trevor Bevier and Kenneth “Ken” Chadwick; Legislative District 13 Position 1 candidates Tom Dent and Juan “Jerry” Garcia; and Legislative District 13 Position 2 candidates Deanna Martinez and Joshua Thompson. 

Montaney said the only candidates who had not responded as of Monday were the candidates for Washington’s 4th Congressional District, Republican Amanda McKinney and Democrat John Duresky. 

The format will give each candidate three minutes to introduce themselves and discuss their priorities. Audience members will then have an opportunity to submit written questions. 

“We’ve got forms for the audience to write questions on,” Montaney said. “They’ll be screened, and then the moderator will ask questions.” 

The post has hosted candidate forums every election cycle for nearly two decades. 

“We’ve been doing it every two years for close to 20 years,” Montaney said. 

The events typically draw strong attendance, often bringing between 80 and 100 people through the doors, he said. 

Montaney said the forum's purpose is to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the Nov. 3 election. 

“Get out here and listen to these candidates,” he said. “These races matter.” 

Ballots were mailed to voters on Oct. 14, according to the Grant County Elections Office. Residents who have not received a ballot by Oct. 21 are encouraged to contact the elections office at 509-754-5011, ext. 2704. 

Montaney also had a message for residents who plan to attend the forum. 

“Get out there and vote,” he said.  

To check voter registration status visit VoteWA.gov.  

The American Legion will provide coffee, lemonade and ice water during the event. 

Candidate Forum 

Oct. 21 

6:30 p.m. 

American Legion, Art Semro Post 28 

286 8th Ave. NW, Ephrata