Luther College to host virtual Local Candidate Forum

Residents of Winneshiek County are invited to learn more about the candidates on their November ballot as they answer questions posed by Luther College students. Newly formatted for this unique time in history, the local candidate forum will be presented as a video available beginning Oct. 19 on the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement and the Decorah Area AAUW YouTube pages. 

All candidates on the Decorah ballot were invited to participate. Recorded interviews include candidates for Winneshiek County Supervisor District 3, Shirley Vermace and Julie Askelson; Iowa House District 55, Michael Bergan and Kayla Koether; and Iowa Senate, Matt Tapscott and Michael Klimesh. Opposing candidates were asked identical questions related to current issues.

            "The presidential contest dominates the national news, but voters are also about to make choices about state and local candidates who represent them," said Carly Foster, associate professor of political science. "This video will provide the audience a chance to hear directly from candidates so that they can make informed voting decisions."

            The virtual forum will be available online at no charge. It is sponsored by the Luther College departments of political science and social work, the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, and the Decorah Area chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

            The Decorah Area AAUW is part of the national AAUW, a non-partisan organization that works at the local, state and federal levels to support laws and policies that enable women's success.

Luther College is home to more than 1,800 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

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