Luther College to host local candidate forum

The Luther College and Decorah communities will have the opportunity to talk with and question the people running to represent them in local government. Luther's annual local candidate forum takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in Valders Hall of Science Room 206 on the Luther College campus. Candidates for Decorah City Council, Decorah School Board and Decorah Parks and Recreation Board have been invited to attend and answer questions submitted by the audience.

            "This panel is an opportunity to hear from the candidates who want to hold local office, but also to raise awareness about what local political officials do," said Carly Foster, associate professor of political science. "I think it is important that students and the community get to hear directly from candidates at a non-partisan event so that they can make informed voting decisions."

            While national elections traditionally have a much larger turnout, Foster said that local elections are just as important.

"Sometimes people get caught up in national political controversies and forget that they might be able to have a positive impact in their own communities by being attentive to and participating in local politics," said Foster.

The event is open to the public with no charge for admission. It is sponsored by the Decorah chapter of the American Association of University Women, the Luther College Social Work Program and the Luther College Political Science Department.

Luther College is home to 1,900 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.