Candidate FORUM Set for RSM

Many have asked about an open forum  the candidates for Rancho Santa Margarita City Council.  Others have asked about clarifying statements regarding Measure Z.  Good news, the forum has been scheduled from 7 to 9 pm, 10/30/14 at the Bell Tower Community Center.

The forum is set to give each candidate an equal time to make a statement as to why they should be elected.  After all the candidates have spoken, we will have a proponent and opponent of Measure Z speak.

After the opening remarks citizens will be allowed to ask candidates questions of interest.  Questions will be limited so that each candidate has an equal time to answer.  The same amount of time will be given to the two sides of Measure Z.

The candidates will finish with a closing statement.  Then the fun starts.

Citizens attending will then break into groups and caucus to appoint a leader to make a closing statement for their candidate.  Measure Z will get a close for and against.

After the formal program, I have asked the candidates to stay around and greet people attending the forum.  This will give everybody a chance to see the candidates.  I think you will be impressed with the people running for office.

Many cities would not be able to make something like this work.  Rancho is a special place and a meeting to get acquainted, ask questions and gain information could be the start of a tradition of citizen participation in local government.

Mark your calendars.  Send all comments, RSVP’s and anything else to The Patch Blog so everybody has an idea of how this thing is working.  See you next week.