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SMITHFIELD

Incumbents and challengers for local and state offices in Isle of Wight of County get to present their views on issues next month through the coordinated efforts by civic groups.

The Isle of Wight Citizens’ Association has partnered with the county’s NAACP, the Carrollton Civic League and the newly formed Southern and Central Isle of Wight Citizens Group. Also joining them are members of the Windsor AARP chapter.

As Jim Henderson of the IWCA pointed out in his letter on page 2, there are three planned forums, and the originator of such public conversation is credited to the late Grace Keen, a founder and longtime past president.

At each event, the doors will be open by 5:45 p.m. so that people can meet individually with the candidates. Each session is scheduled to formally begin and end from 7 to 9 p.m. A question-and-answer section will be included for each pair.

Wednesday, Oct. 16

IOW school board forum: Contested races will be Vicky Hulick and Lawrence J. Rotruck for the Newport District; and Matthew D. Thomas and Denise N. Tynes of Smithfield for the Smithfield District. This will be in the Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St. Moderators will be Jarad Ford (NAACP) with Herb DeGroft (IWCA).

Tuesday, Oct. 22

IOW supervisors forum: Contested races will be William M. McCarty Sr. and Rick Gillerlain for the Newport District; and R.W. “Dick” Grice and Dr. Timmie M. Edwards Sr. for the Smithfield District. This will be also be in the Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St. Moderators will be Jarad Ford (NAACP) with Herb DeGroft (IWCA).

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Virginia state office forum: Contested races will be John A. Cosgrove Jr. (R) and Rebecca E. Raveson (D) for the 14th District; Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R) and Herbert C. “Herb” Jones Jr. (D) for the 3rd District; and Emily Brewer (R) and Michelle Joyce (D) for the 64th District. This will be from 7 to 9 p.m. in Windsor Town Center, 23361 Courthouse Highway. Moderators will be Shawn Carr (IWCA) with Volpe Boykin (SCIWCG).