The Gerald Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor Meet the Candidates, Wednesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at the Depot in Legion Park. The purpose of the forum is to allow the public to get to know the candidates running for city office and the school board candidates. 

This year, for the city, the only contested election is for the mayor’s seat. Incumbent Hillary Ward is not seeking re-election. Annette Justus and Brad Landwehr will be vying for the seat she vacates. Ward 1 Alderman Angela Koepke and Ward 2 Alderman Corey Novotney have both filed for another term in office. Neither will face opposition. 

For the two spots on the Gasconade County R-2 Board of Directors, only the incumbents have filed to run. Debbie Landolt and Molly Steinbeck have no opposition and will not appear on the ballot in the April 6 election. They will simply be sworn in again at the reorganizational meeting on April 19.

All candidates will still be invited to attend Meet the Candidates. They will be allowed to speak for one minute to introduce themselves and then will answer questions from the audience. 

The Chamber will hold a business meeting at 5:30 p.m. prior to the event.