Candidates answered questions posed by attendees of the forum. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain
Managing Editor 

Ahead of August’s Primary election race, the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum Wednesday, July 17 — featuring candidates for the offices of Missouri House of Representatives, Missouri Senate and Jackson County Prosecutor.

Historic Northeast residents Patricia Hernendez and Wick Thomas are two of the primary candidates for Missouri House of Representatives District 19.
| Photo by Dorri Partain

Led by moderator Evie Craig — president of Paseo West Neighborhood Association — seven candidates answered live questions from attendees at the Chamber’s location ( 2657 Independence Ave.) and viewers on Zoom.

As Kate Barsotti — a Columbus Park resident —  tracked time limits, each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves. This forum progressed as each candidate was given 90 seconds to answer each question.

The first hour of this forum was devoted to Missouri House and Senate candidates — who fielded questions relating to state government and how it can address issues of local crime, health care and the houseless population.

Primary candidates for Missouri House of Representatives District 19 include Indian Mound resident Patricia Hernandez (D) and Scarritt Renaissance resident Wick Thomas (D). Republican candidate Karen Spalding did not attend.

Moderator Evie Craig presided over the forum at the Chamber of Commerce office. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Missouri Senate District 7 candidates include Pat Contreras (D) and Patty Lewis (D). There is no Republican candidate.

In the Missouri Senate District 9 race, former city Councilperson Brandon Ellington (D) will face current Senator Barbara Anne Washington (D). There is no Republican candidate.

The Republican candidate for Missouri Senate District 11 is Joe Nicola. His Democratic opponent, Robert Sauls, did not attend this forum.

The forum’s second hour introduced the Democratic candidates for Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney. Attendees John Gromowsky, Stephanie Burton and Melesa Johnson fielded questions regarding prosecuting crime in city and county jurisdictions, working with police and sheriff departments and overall experience prosecuting criminals. Republican candidate for Prosecuting Attorney Tracey Chappell did not attend.

Democratic candidates for the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney race answered questions about crime-related issues. | Photo by Dorri Partain

The full ballot for the Aug. 6 primary election includes the race for governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state, among other state-wide offices. For a full sample ballot, visit the Kansas City Election Board webpage:  kceb.org.