HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a statement from the Republican primary winners in Reno County that they will not be attending the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber and NAACP candidate forum on October 11, the Chamber CEO has asked for an opportunity to meet with them before the event.
In an email obtained by Hutch Post, Chamber CEO Debra Teufel asked for consideration from the group.
“The Chamber Executive Committee this week, after meeting with the NAACP partners and hearing their position about this cohosted event, agreed that the best and most fair and equitable way to hold the candidate forum was to err on the side of inclusivity rather than exclusion," Teufel said.
Under Kansas law, write in candidates are considered a valid option for candidacy.
"Our members and citizens deserve to hear all of the voices," Teufel said. "In addition, one might argue that hearing from all candidates actually elevates the platform of those who won the primary. I hope you will reconsider your position on participating but if not, we still plan to hold the forum at this time."
Teufel will be out of town this weekend for her son's wedding.
"When I return to Hutchinson on the morning of October 11th, I would be more than happy to meet with you or anyone else who has concerns and would invite NAACP to join me," Teufel said. "The stage will be set and the forum held in the most fair manner possible to all concerned who choose to participate."
It's worth noting that in one of the contested races with an on the ballot winner from each party in the primary, the County Commission District 4 race, Republican candidate Mark Reese did not attend the Chamber forum for County Commission candidates prior to the primary, as his primary was uncontested.
Reese's race against Michael Jobe and the House District 102 and 104 races will have both a Republican and a Democrat on the ballot that won primaries to get there.
Hutch Post is not aware at this time of any other scheduled opportunities for both on the ballot candidates to speak at the same event, if the Republican primary winners stick with their decision not to attend on Tuesday.