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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa League of Women Voters sponsored a candidate forum Oct. 28, seven p.m., at Ottumwa City Hall.

In attendance: candidates for Senate District 47 were Mark Chelgren and Keith Kreiman. Representing Senate District 45, candidates Sandra Greiner, Becky Schmitz and Douglas Wm Phillips. Candidates for the House of Representatives were also in attendance; representing House District 90 were Stephen Burgmeier and Curt Hanson; and for House District 93, Mary Gaskill and Jane Hodoly. Candidates for two Wapello County Supervisor’s positions were also in attendance; Marcus Bennet, Greg Kenning, Jerry Parker, and Richard S. Palen.    

Dianne Kiefer is running unopposed for County Treasurer, and running unopposed for County Recorder is Joyce Hass. Both agreed not to address the voters in the forum.

Attendees of the forum were able to submit questions to be answered by the candidates.

The League of Women Voters, which has hosted this forum for over 25 years, is a non-partisan group, so each candidate was given equal time to respond, as a timekeeper and moderator were in attendance.

“We want them to see, as the candidates answer the same question, which one is closer to their beliefs, which one they feel would do the best job of leading in the next term,” said Sarah Sels, Ottumwa League of Women Voters’ President.