Public invited to attend political forums
 
The public is invited to attend five forums with candidates for political office hosted by the Rio Rancho chapter of the National Business Exchange.

Candidates for county commissioner and the state legislature representing Rio Rancho will meet on different dates beginning in late August, club president Brandon Kling said.

“As an organization that prides itself on community service, we think it is appropriate to provide a forum for candidates to present their views,” Kling said. “As far as we know there has never been a formal effort to bring candidates at this level together to discuss the issues, and we hope these forums give the public an opportunity to learn more about the people who are seeking office in November.”

Each meeting will begin at noon at the Pasta House, 3201 Southern Blvd. A luncheon buffet in conjunction with the meeting is available for $10.

Here is the schedule of speakers:

* Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Incumbent District 2 Sandoval County Commissioner Don Leonard. Challenger Kim Rytter has indicated she will not attend due to a schedule conflict.

* Thursday, Sept. 4 – Sandoval County Commission candidates Glenn Walters and Juanita S. Martinez.

* Thursday, Sept. 18 – State Sen. Steve Komadina and challenger John Sapien.

* Thursday, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert and challenger Lisa Cour.

* Thursday, Oct. 16 – State House of Representative candidates Paula Papponi and Jack Thomas.

The discussions will be moderated by Business Exchange member Eric Maddy.

The Rio Rancho chapter of the Business Exchange is part of a national service organization that focuses on personal and professional development, building a healthy society and aiding America’s families and children.

The Rio Rancho chapter conducts the “Time out for Teddy” events at New Mexico Scorpions games, where fans toss teddy bears on the ice after the Scorpions’ first goal. The toys are then collected and given local police departments who pass them on to children who have been involved in a traumatic event, such as losing their home in a fire.

Non-chapter members are requested to RSVP by calling Kling at 892-3300 or Maddy at 304-1265.