The Hopewell Valley Democratic Club will serve as an host to an event when residents will be able to meet local candidates who are running for seats on multiple governmental bodies.
The event is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Hopewell Branch Library in Pennington.
“This is going to be the big forum for us before the election,” said Chris Malikschmitt, who chairs the Hopewell Valley Democratic Club. “The candidates will have a few minutes to address those in attendance before questions are taken. This will be a little bit informal.
“People will be able to approach their representatives and hopefully their future representatives and ask the candidates specific questions of importance to them,” he said.
Malikschmitt said candidate for Hopewell Township Committee Courtney Peters-Manning, Hopewell Township Mayor Kristin McLaughlin, Pennington Mayor Joseph Lawver, Pennington Councilwoman Beverly Mills, Hopewell Borough Mayor Paul Anzano and candidate for Hopewell Borough Council Chris Fossel are set to attend the evening forum.
“This event is not only important for the candidates, but for people in the Hopewell area. Getting their name and message out is of critical importance for the candidates,” he said. “It is even more important for residents to talk with people who represent them or who may represent them. It is not every day that people get involved in local elections. Our mission is to bring these political subdivisions to the table.”
Malikschmitt said one issue that is expected to be discussed is the proposed PennEast Pipeline, which is a $1 billion project that would reach areas of central New Jersey.
He said organizers are trying to schedule as many candidates as possible for the event.
“President Barack Obama said elections have consequences. These local elections are no exception to that rule,” Malikschmitt said. “We hope people take the opportunity to learn a little more about the people who want to represent them and their communities, and to hopefully share things that are of critical importance to them.”
For more information about the forum, visit www.hopewellvalleydems.org.
