Barrenside cancels Glasgow forum after too few candidates commit
The number of candidates available to participate was not sufficient to move forward with the forum.
GLASGOW, Ky. — Barrenside has canceled its planned Oct. 20 candidate forum in Glasgow after determining that too few candidates would be available to participate.
The forum was intended to give candidates running for Glasgow mayor, Glasgow City Council, Barren County jailer and two magistrate districts an opportunity to discuss local issues and answer questions ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Barrenside first emailed candidates on Sept. 14 to invite them to participate, followed by a reminder on Sept. 21 and a final notice on Sept. 29.
The deadline to submit a participation confirmation was Sept. 30.
Several candidates invited to participate responded to Barrenside’s outreach, though some were unable to participate because of prior scheduling conflicts.
Brennan Crain
Among those who responded were 10 Glasgow City Council candidates: Alexandria Hayes, Terry L. Bunnell, Jamie Fancher, Marna Kirkpatrick, Chasity Lowery, Melina J. Overstreet, Jeff Proffitt, Michael R. Rich, Elizabeth Shoemaker and Riley Boggs.
Barrenside did not receive participation confirmations from Tommy Burris, Beau Jones, James “Happy” Neal, Kristen Nicole Roberts, Cathy Thomas, Joe Trigg or Randy Wilkinson.
Glasgow mayoral candidates Bob R. Miller and Henry Royse responded, as did candidates for magistrate in Districts 4 and 6.
Barren County jailer Aaron Shirley responded to the invitation, while his opponent, James Scott, did not.
The number of candidates available to participate was not sufficient to move forward with the forum.
Organizing a candidate forum requires considerable time, resources and expense.
Although the Plaza Theatre offered a discount in recognition of the event’s civic purpose, Barrenside determined that broad participation across the races was necessary to make the event worthwhile for voters and justify the remaining cost.
Barrenside thanks the candidates who responded, whether or not they were able to participate. Every candidate received an email invitation and follow-up communication before the decision to cancel was made.
Barrenside remains committed to connecting voters with candidates and providing the community with information to make informed decisions in the November election.
