Candidate forum, fundraiser draws crowd at Twin Bridges FD

It may have been the biggest crowd the little red fire station has ever seen. Dozens descended upon the Twin Bridges Volunteer Fire Department station house Saturday night to meet candidates for office and raise money.

 

A cookout supper and auction raised $4,767.50, according to department secretary Heather Tooley. 

 

Sandwiched between the meal and the auction was a candidate forum. Candidates seeking seats from United States Congress all the way to Douglas County Commission were there to win over the Eastern Douglas County vote. 

 

Candidates each had two minutes for a stump speech and then answered questions live from the audience. Roads and tax-spending were the topics most discussed for the policy-making candidates, and drug enforcement occupied much of the conversation with the Sheriff candidates. 

 

For Congress, Democrats Randi McCallian and Franklin Delano “Denny” Roth III were present. Incumbent Republican Congressman Jason Smith sent Colin O’Brien to speak. Republican Grant Heithold was personally present, but James Snider was absent. 

 

Candidates for Missouri Senate both sent representatives. Former District 155 Representative Travis Smith was represented by his wife, Karen Smith. Fellow Republican Brad Hudson was represented by staffer Madelyn Sestak. 

 

The two Republican candidates for Missouri House of Representatives, District 155 were both present – Julie Aubuchon and Matthew Overcast. 

 

Seeking the Douglas County Commissioner #2 seat were incumbent Brad Loveless and challenger Johnny Burkdoll. Both were personally present. 

 

Both candidates for Douglas County Sheriff were on hand Saturday night – incumbent Chris Degase and challenger Trampus Taylor. 

 

Primary election day is August 6.