College Dems hold forum
Ten candidates running for a variety of positions in Boone County and Columbia attended the candidate forum.
Published April 21, 2006
Although Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, is running unopposed for her seat in the Missouri House of Representatives, she said she still wanted to attend the MU College Democrats candidate forum on Thursday.
"Students are an incredibly important part of my constituents," Baker said. "I find them to be nicely engaging because they are interested in the issues. I also think it is important to make sure people know what a Democratic message looks like."
Ten candidates running for a variety of positions in Boone County and Columbia attended the candidate forum. Members of the panel included Baker; Ted Farnen, who is chief of staff for Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia; and Ken Pearson, who is running for Boone County Presiding Commissioner.
At the meeting, each candidate gave a brief speech that mentioned certain platform issues, and they also fielded questions at the end of the event.
Baker said she was surprised so many candidates attended the forum, especially because it is early in the campaign season.
"I think it is encouraging to see so many members of the Democratic Party getting out there and sharing their agenda and ideas with students," she said. "I like how I also get to hear some feedback from students and find out what issues concern them."
Quinn Kelsey, recruitment chairwoman for the MU College Democrats, said she thinks candidate forums are important because they encourage young people to vote.
"Statistics show teens participate least in politics because they are not well-educated or involved, so we hope to address both these issues with this event," Kelsey said. "I'm excited there are so many Democratic candidates here to encourage people to vote."
Northern District Commissioner Skip Elkin is running for a seat in the 21st district, which includes the northern portion of Boone County. He said the candidate forum provided an opportunity for candidates to express their views, thoughts and concerns about their districts.
"This is just another way to reach out to my constituents," Elkin said. "I hope to see a younger crowd here because there has been a problem with young people being detached, and I want to engage and empower them to be involved regardless of their party. Eventually, they are going to be in our shoes and need to be informed."
Pearson said he attended the forum to see more students involved in the political process and meet student constituents.
"I've been trying to go to as many functions, like barbeques and fish fries, as possible to meet the voters," Pearson said. "Citizens expect and deserve a good government that represents them."