Two Mayoral Candidate Forums: June 27 and June 28, 2017
Story updated June 26, 2017 at 7:07 AM to include second candidate debate.
Kent voters are invited to learn more about the four candidates for Kent mayor. To help voters understand the candidates’ positions on key issues, the Cultural Communities Board, an advisory board, the mayor and city council, will hold a candidate forum, Tuesday, June 27, 7 to 9 p.m. in the W.E. Auditorium at Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent, WA. The forum will begin promptly at 7 PM. Attendees are asked to arrive by 6:45 PM.
Elizabeth Albertson, Jim Berrios, Dana Ralph and Andrew Swansen have confirmed their participation. Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke opted not to run for reelection this November.
The moderated forum will be a question-and-answer style information session and focus specifically on issues that impact immigrants and refugees, people of color, individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQ community. Questions for candidates will also be accepted in writing from audience members during the event.
KentTV21 will videotape the event and broadcast the forum on Comcast Cable Channel 21 starting July 5 – Aug. 1 at both 4 AM and PM. The forum will also be available online at KentTV21.com during the same timeframe.
UPDATE–A second candidate forum will be hosted by Pastor Bob Brooks of First Christian Church (11717 SE 240th St., Kent, WA) on Wed., June 28 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. A panel of community leaders will ask questions of the four mayoral candidates: Jim Berrios, Andrew Swansen, Elizabeth Albertson and Dana Ralph. The panel will be led by attorney Pat Hanis.