Public Invited to March 16 Lake Wales Candidate Forum, Reception

The four candidates in the April 7 Lake Wales City Commission election will answer questions and meet the public at a forum on Monday, March 16.

The candidate forum is being sponsored by the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, the Lake Wales Arts Council, Rotary on the Ridge and LakeWalesNews.net.

Candidates will set up tables with campaign literature and meet informally with attendees during a reception starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Michael Crews Gallery of the Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 SR 60 East. During this time attendees also can enjoy the current exhibit by Lake Wales artist Blair Updike.

Attorney Howard Kay will moderate the forum to be held upstairs in Updike Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. will include opening and closing statements from each candidate and the opportunity to answer questions asked by a moderator. Attendees may submit questions for the moderator's consideration. Questions also may be submitted in advance online at https://tinyurl.com/LakeWales316

Candidates for Seat Three are incumbent Terrye Howell and political newcomer Gregory Barnard Massey. Candidates for Seat Five are incumbent Robin Gibson and challenger Bob Wood, who has run in the past for mayor and commissioner.

The nonpartisan city election will take place on Tuesday, April 7 at two polling sites – the Lake Wales City Administration Building and the Lake Ashton Ballroom. Citizens must vote at their assigned precinct on election day. Many are expected to vote by mail in advance. To request a mail-in ballot, call the Polk County Supervisor of Elections office at 863-534-5888 or go online to https://www.polkelections.com/Mail-in-Ballot-Request-Form

For more information about the candidate forum, call the Chamber at 863-676-3445 or email [email protected].