Steve Chapman
stevec@ccheadliner.com
As the moderator of the Christian County Candidate Forum, held at the Ozark Square on the evening of Thursday, July 16, I would like to thank the following people who made the event possible:
- The candidates, who came to the event to deliver their messages and speak with constituents.
- Ozark mayor Don Currence, who led us in prayer.
- Lynnon Lancaster, who gave a phenomenal performance of the National Anthem.
- Rosalie Watts, who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
- Jered Taylor, who provided the sound system and the American and Missouri State flags.
- The members of the Christian County Lions Club, who handed out free bottled water to those in attendance.
- Barbara Heinrichs, owner of Market House Venue, located on the Ozark Square. She opened her building as a cooling station for anyone who might have become overheated, and also provided snacks to visitors.
- The Ozark, Nixa, Sparta, and Clever Chambers of Commerce and everyone else who spread the word about the event.
- The readers who submitted questions for the candidates.
- And of course, those who attended the forum. The audience demonstrated an outstanding level of consideration and respect to all candidates, something not always seen in all political arenas.
This forum was the first time I ever organized and led such a gathering, and through it, I gained many insights that will be of value in future endeavors. I regret that I was unable to utilize all the questions submitted, but I did find them all to be through-provoking and insightful.
I would like to reiterate that Christian County Headliner News does not endorse or support any candidate or political party, but we do implore all eligible voters to be at the polls and vote on Tuesday, Aug. 4. A nation’s future depends on the engagement of all of its citizens.
