view arial, search sans-serif;”>There will be at least one new face on the Ventura City Council after election day with three spots open and ten people competing for them, and you can help decide which ones will make the cut.

 The Ventura Council for Seniors is hosting a free City Council Candidates’ Forum from 10 to noon Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Dr., Ventura 93003.

During the forum, the public is invited to ask questions, the tougher the better as the city faces many topics of importance, such as local tax measures on the ballot and planning, financial, recreation and quality of life issues.

Moderator is VCS Chair Suz Montgomery, who promises “this is an opportunity to ask the hard questions face-to-face with the people who want to run your city.”

Incumbent Carl Morehouse is not running for reelection, but two current council members are: Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir, facing eight new competitors. They are: Lorrie Brown, Jacqueline Martenson, Randall Richman, Matt LaVere, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Brian Lee Rencher, Michael Anthony Graves and Dave Grau.

“At the forum, you’ll find out if the candidates know about the issues, their solutions and the attitude they will bring to our 150-year-old city,” Montgomery said. “Also important is what each one of them has done for the city and if they have a track record of accomplishments.”

For those with special needs, the California Relay Service will ensure you can get there and back safely; call them at 658-4726.

There will also be a candidates’ forum and debate at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Bell Arts on the Westside, focusing on that area of the City.      

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