Only Two of Five Candidates Show for Final Election Forum

With an election only three days away, three of five candidates seeking to occupy seats on the Lake Wales City Commission skipped a last chance to meet and hear from voters. Both incumbents skipped the chance to interact with voters, just as they had a March 4 forum hosted at the Lake Wales Woman's Club theatre.

R. Connors

Several dozen voters gathered to meet and listen to city commission candidates Carol Gillespie and Brandon Alvarado Saturday. Citizens will have a chance to express their choices on Tuesday.

At an outdoor forum hosted in perfect weather at the B Street Center in the city's Northwest Neighborhood, only Carol Gillespie, seeking Seat 4. and Brandon Alvarado, running for Seat 2, were in attendance. The two engaged in a lively exchange with several dozen voters, responding to questions and hearing comments and suggestions.

Attendees were able to enjoy free food and beverages during the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event, held in the shade of large oaks. The two challengers were able to respond to multiple questions in what the organizers called "an "old-fashioned picnic-style candidates forum."

Courtesy Supervisor of Elections

The Lake Wales City Administration building at 201 W Central Avenue will host voters assigned to most city precincts, including 523, 527, 528, 530, 532, 535, 542, 543.

The election this Tuesday will pit Gillespie against incumbent Danny Krueger, while Alvarado will face off in a three-way race against a second challenger, Crystal Higbee, and incumbent Daniel Williams.

Depending upon which city precinct they live in Lake Wales, voters may cast ballots at either Lake Wales City Administration Building or the Lake Ashton Clubhouse.

Residents in precincts 523, 527, 528, 530, 532, 535, 542, 543 will vote at the Administration Building, 201 W Central Avenue.

Courtesy Supervisor of Elections

The Lake Ashton Clubhouse will host voters from much of the city's northern side, including those in precincts 519, 524, 526. It is located west of US 27 on Thompson Nursery Road. Voters will be freely admitted into the gated community.

Residents in precincts 519, 524, 526 will cast ballots at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse, 4141 Ashton Club Drive.