On Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m., VFW Post 4052 hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum. This event included candidates for Mayor and the City Counsel. Both Mayoral contenders, John Harden and Tom Hughes attended as well as Randall Hansen, John Stratton, Mike Kramer, Ethan Schneider, and Thomas Rowland, who are vying for positions on the City Council.

The candidates were allowed 10 minutes to address the audience, focusing on their backgrounds, experience, priorities, and views on functions of the Lexington city government.

The order in which the candidates spoke was arbitrary with members of the audience drawing a name from a bowl.

The event began with a brief opening statement, review of the rules, and administrative announcements by Ed Fiora representing VFW Post 4052. It was not a debate and no questions were allowed. This was the candidates’ opportunity to discuss what they deemed important.

After all the candidates completed their statements, final remarks and gratitude was expressed for the candidates sharing their time with everyone. Even though the audience was small it was a very positive event as much was learned about each candidate.

VFW Post 4052 is considering host another event during the next election period.