It Must Be Official, I Saw It In The Paper

Evansville forum features six candidates, controversial issues
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(Published Thursday, February 1, 2007 10:53:54 AM CST)

By Gina Duwe
Gazette Staff

EVANSVILLE-Controversial issues that include half-day and 4-year-old kindergarten and projected overcrowding have lured six newcomers to run for two seats on the Evansville School Board.

A Feb. 20 primary will narrow the field to four candidates, and two Evansville residents are leading a grassroots effort to make sure voters are informed. Jim Brooks and Karen Aikman are organizing a 90-minute forum Saturday to allow each candidate time to present their vision for the district.

The forum will start at 10 a.m. in the media room at Evansville High School, 640 S. Fifth St.The public is encouraged to meet the candidates after the forum. Each candidate will respond to four questions provided in advance.

"This event is not intended to be a debate or to be confrontational," Aikman said. "We are striving to build a safe environment to start a discussion of the issues facing the district." Each of the six candidates has been invited to participate.

They are:--
Melissa Hammann, 250 Eager Court.--
Jeff Herbers, 411 S. Fifth St.--
Tris Lahti, 8702 N. Territorial Road.--
Gary Rehfeldt, 10678 W. Oak Ridge Road.--
Kathi Swanson, 4322 N. Cornfield Drive.--
Richard T. Woulfe, 255 E. Main St.

Incumbents John Willoughby and Dennis Knudson are not seeking re-election.

Voters will select two candidates April 3 to fill three-year terms