By Bill Robinson
Senior News Writer
RICHMOND — “You can’t tell the players without a program,” vendors at old minor league baseball games used to yell.
With so many local candidates in the running for election this year, voters may know too little about them to make an informed choice, some observers have remarked.
However, two Madison County organizations have scheduled events for Thursday evening to help clarify who the candidates are and what they stand for.
Ashler Lodge No. 49 has scheduled an old-fashioned chili supper at the Madison County Fairgrounds off Irvine Road from 6 to 8 p.m. All local candidates have been invited to attend and mingle with the guests, said Andrea Patterson of the lodge.
Beginning at 7 p.m., the Madison County Right to Life organization will host a forum for state legislative candidates in the community room of Center Bank at the corner of Main Street and Lancaster Avenue.
“With about 90 people running for office, it’s difficult just to know who they are and what they stand for,” Patterson said.
Patterson said he lives in Kingston, part of the fourth magisterial district. It has nine candidates, seven Democrats and two Republicans, seeking their parties’ nomination for magistrate.
“Many of (the magisterial candidates) I don’t know, and I wasn’t sure how I could get to know them,” he said.
After discussing the situation with his Masonic organization, Patterson said the members decided they could help remedy the situation for themselves and other by hosting a meet-and-greet supper. Tickets are $6 and can be purchase from lodge members, but will be available at the door.
Almost all candidates on the local primary ballots and given commitments they will be on hand for the supper, Patterson said. Each will be introduced, but no time will be allotted for them to speak publicly, he said.
“If all of the about 90 local candidates showed up, and we gave each one just two minutes it would take three hours,” he said. “Everyone will be welcomed to stay as long as they like, however, and speak to the candidates.”
Debbie Secchio, Madison County Right to Life president, said nine state legislative candidates had committed to attend the organization’s forum to which no admission will be charged.
Each candidate will be given 10 minutes to give his or her view on the constitutionality of the right to life and express their stands on other life issues, she said.
The Right to Life organization never endorses candidates, but often gives them opportunities to express their views on life issues, Secchio said.
At least one other meet-and-greet session for candidates will be conducted prior to the May primary.
The League of Women Voters of Berea and Madison County has invited all candidates to an April 15 evening event at Glenn Marshall Elementary School, according to league member Cecile Schubert.
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce also is planning candidate events.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622,
