The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis will moderate a “Meet the Candidates” forum for the three people seeking seats on the Rockwood School District Board of Education in the April 2 election.
The forum will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at the Rockwood Administrative Annex, 500 N. Central Ave., in Eureka.
League of Women Voters co-president Victoria Turner said Tamara Jo Rhomberg, Phillip Milligan and Thomas Dunn have agreed to speak at the forum. The candidates are looking to fill two three-year seats on the board.
The terms of Rhomberg and board president Jaime Bayes expire this year, and Bayes is not seeking re-election.
“We’re very pleased that the Rockwood School District has had us back for another year,” Turner said. “I think this is at least the third time we’ve done their school board candidate forum. (The forums) are always well attended, and we always get thoughtful and important questions.”
Turner said those interested in attending may ask candidates questions online or at the forum. Questions may be submitted on Rockwood’s website, rsdmo.org, or at the League of Women Voter’s website, my.lwv.org.
Turner said moderators will ask selected questions at the forum.
“We do try to make sure, time permitting, that we fit what we can see as the major areas of concern for the public,” Turner said. “It is possible that we don’t get to all of the questions because of time, but at least if we can get to the main areas of concern, we’ll do our best when we are moderating and collecting questions from the audience.”
Turner said each candidate will make a brief opening statement before answering questions. Each candidate will have the opportunity to answer the questions before making a closing statement.
According to the district’s Facebook page, a video replay of the forum will be available on the Rockwood School District’s YouTube channel following the event.
Wildwood candidate forum
The city of Wildwood also will hold a candidate forum for mayoral and city council seats at 6 p.m. Monday, March 25, at Wildwood City Hall, 16860 Main St. Questions for this event also can be submitted through the League of Women Voters’ website or the city’s website, cityofwildwood.com.
According to the city’s website, Joe Garritano and Tony Salvatore are running for mayor.
For the Wildwood City Council, only one person each is running for open seats in Wards 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7.
Vicki Wroblewski, Chris Preston and Ashley Slauter are seeking one open seat in Ward 1. Joe Farmer and Jean Vedvig are seeking one open seat in Ward 4. Timothy E. Kummer and Michael Gillani are seeking one open seat in Ward 8.
Turner said the mayor and city council forum will be set up the same way as the school board forum.
“We really think this is the best way to learn about people who are running for office,” Turner said. “We’re certainly all about informing and empowering voters. I expect these to be well-attended forums, based on those in the past.”