Speaking Personally, Adjust the sails- there are three chances in March

The nature of my job means I spend a lot of time in rooms with decision-makers. One thing they all seem to have in common is a seething disdain for Facebook complaints. No matter the agency; no matter the city; no matter their position – they have read the comments. They know what people are saying. But almost to a man – they dismiss this commentary because it’s “just Facebook.”

 

If you have something to say about a city or a school district, does that entity’s page even allow your comments? Probably not. 

 

To be fair, it’s a good a point. A face-to-face conversation is better than keyboard warfare any day of the week. 

 

With the municipal election day approaching on April 8, Howell County News is providing three chances for you to participate, in person, in the conversations that your leaders cannot ignore. Participate in real time, and in-person, and your input will mean more than a dozen online comments. Your complaints are no longer simply pessimism. They are part of the real-life conversation. They can become the solution.

 

Join us at one or all three of these events. If you can’t make it, watch online, or send an advance question to editor@howellcountynews.com.

 

TOMORROW- MARCH 6 West Plains City Council Candidate Q&A

Hosted by United Federation of Republican Women, moderated by Howell County News, this event allows voters to meet the two candidates for one West Plains City Council seat. Ron Grennan and Jarryd Alsup are running. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at Ostermeier Brewing Co, in West Plains.

 

MARCH 22 -- Mountain View Board of Aldermen Candidate Debate

In the East Ward of the city of Mountain View, there is a contested race. Brigg Pierson is running against Jennifer McAdams, and the two will participate in a debate. Barbara Gail Wallander is running unopposed for the West Ward seat soon to be vacated by Ed Martin. She has been invited to speak but will not debate because she has no opponent.

Join us at Venue 122, 122 West First St., Mountain View.

 

MARCH 27 -- Willow Springs Voters’ Forum

All the candidates seeking to represent the public in Willow Springs are invited to answer community questions. There are two candidates for mayor – Kim Rich and Adam Webb. There are two candidates for Ward I alderman – Luke Bartow and Bryan Hogan. Mike Tooley is running unopposed. 

There are three candidates for school board running for two seats – Lori Logan, Meagan Jones, and Roger Shanks. 

The event will take place Thursday, March 27, in the Upstairs of the Ferguson Building, Willow Springs. These in-person events will also be streamed online, with videos posted to YouTube/website, and will be reported afterwards in these pages. 

 

Election day is April 8.