Hoisington Mayoral and USD 431 school board candidates will join a forum at the Friendship House, 419 E. 3rd St. in Hoisington, on Thursday, Oct. 16, organized by the League of Women Voters of Great Bend - Barton County. The public is invited to attend and hear candidates address key issues. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the forum runs from 6-7 p.m.

School board candidate presentations start at 6 p.m. with Neil Ochs, Traci Schneider, Derek Davis, and Sara Tarlton. School boards oversee goals, budgets, curricula, superintendent evaluation, and student achievement.

Mayoral candidates Chris Kinman, E.D. Bivens and Scott Fleming are scheduled to present at 6:30 p.m. The city mayor serves as the chief executive of local government, oversees municipal services, represents the community, and collaborates with the council to develop policy.

Candidates are now providing their details and responding to three questions on the National Voter Guide website, www.vote411.org/ballot. To use the site, enter your address and click the “Get Started” button.

League of Women Voters of Great Bend - Barton County President Janice Walker states, “Local elections matter because they affect everyday life – electing leaders who make decisions about schools, public safety, and city services. Voting locally ensures your community’s needs and priorities are heard and addressed.”