The “We the People of Tillamook County” organization is committed to constitutional and civic eduation. We, the administrators, have held highly attended candidate forums for small district offices and primary candidates during the last two election cycles.
The offices of county commissioner and circuit judge have extremely broad powers in our county and the constituents greatly desire to hear from the candidates. This will not be a forum, but a debate between the candidates for each office. The moderator that will be Josh Sisco; questions can be sent to the email wethepeopletillamookco@yahoo.com prior to the debate, and moderator will leave time for a few questions from the audience. Candidates should plan for about two hours for this event.
Mary Faith Bell declined to attend due to the partisan nature of the sponsoring organization. It is best practice for nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organizations to host political candidate forums for the purposes of their voter education mission. Such forums allow nonprofits to educate voters and highlight community issues, provided they remain neutral, invite all legally qualified candidates, cover a broad range of topics and use an impartial moderator.
Commissioner candidate Jeff Spink, and judge candidates, Alex Hamalian and Matt Lyon have confirmed attendance. The debate will take place on May 8th at Nestucca K-8 gym at 6:30 pm.