Amity Chamber Candidate Forum To Include 17th Senate District Candidates

BETHANY, CT — The Amity Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Conversations with Candidates” program Oct. 15, with candidates for state legislative seats scheduled to discuss issues including health care, business competitiveness, energy costs, housing, workforce pipeline and affordability.

The free program is scheduled for the Courtyard by Marriott, 136 Marsh Hill Road, in Orange. Check-in and seating begin at 6:15 p.m., and the program begins at 6:45 p.m., according to the chamber.

The chamber said the program is not a debate. Candidate conversations will be followed by a “lightning round” question-and-answer session based on questions submitted by attendees.

Scheduled participants include 17th State Senate District candidates Jorge Cabrera, a Democrat and incumbent, and John-Paul Dorais, a Republican. The 17th District represents Woodbridge, Bethany, Ansonia and Derby, among other communities.

Other scheduled participants include Owen Weaver, a Republican running in the 14th Senate District; Mary Welander, a Democrat and incumbent running in the 114th House District; Ray Collins, a Republican running in the 117th House District; Alex Armstrong, a Democrat running in the 119th House District; and Kathy Kennedy, a Republican and incumbent running in the 119th House District.

The chamber said attendees are asked not to bring political signs or distribute literature, and that proper decorum will be followed.

Attendees are asked to register and submit questions in advance.