Upcoming Forums Will Give Voters a Chance to Hear from Local Candidates

Most voters have a pretty good idea of who they’re supporting in the Presidential election. But do you know who you’re going to vote for in the school board, county commission and property appraiser races?

If not, don’t worry. Local nonpartisan organizations including the NAACP Lakeland Branch, the League of Women Voters of Polk County and the Polk County Voter’s League want to help. They have joined forces to host some free candidate forums in the coming weeks.

Polk County School Board

When: Tuesday, July 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1321 N. Webster Ave.
The candidates: There are three seats on the ballot this year.

District 1: Bernnie Brandt, 33, is challenging first-term incumbent William Allen, 49, for the Lakeland-based seat.
District 2: The seat is open because Lori Cunningham is retiring after five terms. Two candidates qualified for the ballot: Travis Keyes, 41, and Marcus Wright Jr., 25, both of Haines City.
District 4: Rebekah Ricks, 44, is challenging incumbent Sara Beth Wyatt, 31, who is seeking a third term. Both women are from Winter Haven.

Polk County Commission and Property Appraiser

When: Tuesday, July 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Well, 114 E. Parker St.
The candidates:

District 1: Henry Coker, 39, Jennifer Price, 47, and Becky Troutman, 50, all of Lakeland, are competing for the Republican nomination in the Aug. 20 primary election. The winner will face Democrat Kay Klymko, 74, and write-in candidate Judi New, 45, in November.
District 5: Three Republicans are vying to succeed outgoing commissioner Neil Combee. The candidates are former Commissioner John Hall, 69, Mike Scott, 41, and Ricky Shirah, 70. All registered voters can participate in the Aug. 20 primary as there is no Democratic opponent in November.
Property Appraiser: Two well-known Republicans are vying to replace Marsha Faux, who is not seeking re-election. They are Neil Combee, 65, of Lakeland, with a 25-year elected career as a county commissioner and state representative, and Gow Fields, 61, who spent 22 years as a Lakeland commissioner and mayor.

The forums are free and open to the public. During each event, members of the audience will have the opportunity to submit written questions and meet the candidates. For additional information, email voterservices@lwvpolk.org or call Jo Shim at (321) 431-9932.

Politics in the Park

A week later, there will be an opportunity to meet local and state candidates in a relaxed setting at “Politics in the Park,” hosted by Orlando Health and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Munn Park, 210 E. Main St.
What: Attendees can visit different booths to engage with candidates, ask questions and understand their priorities. Candidates will also address the audience, sharing their visions and goals.