Four Candidates running in two state House districts met Wednesday night for a candidate forum at Western Michigan University.
Democrat Jon Hoadley and Republican Mike Perrin are seeking the 60th District seat, which includes the city of Kalamazoo. Republican Brandt Iden (who could not be at the forum because he was at a Kalamazoo County Commission meeting), Libertarian Michael Stampfler and Democrat John Fisher are running in the 61st District that includes Portage. The forum was sponsored by WMUK and Friends of WMU. It was moderated by WMUK's Gordon Evans.
For just over an hour, the four candidates answered questions on a wide range of issues. They discussed the economy, environment, education and crime. While differences were on display throughout the evening, the candidates did find agreement on a couple of issues. All four agreed that marijuana should be legalized for recreational purposes. They also believe that Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act should be amended to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
A forum featuring the candidates for State Senate in the 20th District, which includes all of Kalamazoo County, is scheduled for September 24th. The following day there will be a forum where candidates can address issues brought up by young people in the Kalamazoo area.
