Candidates forum set for next week

DOWNEY — Downey voters will have the chance to further familiarize themselves with the six city council hopefuls at a candidates forum taking place next week.

The forum, to be held at 6 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Barbara J. Riley Center, is being presented by the partnership of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, the Downey Patriot newspaper, and Talking Downey podcast.

“The Downey Patriot is thrilled to be teaming up with the Downey Chamber of Commerce and Talking Downey to produce the Downey City Council candidate forum,” said Jennifer DeKay, publisher of the Downey Patriot. “With so much instability over the last year in our city government, I feel this forum is imperative and will provide voters the opportunity to make an educated decision to vote for the best candidate.”

Michael Calvert, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, also stressed the importance of voters getting to know each candidate.

“I feel it is very important that you inform yourself as a voter.  What does the candidate bring to the table and how will they make Downey better?  Make sure a candidate has a specific plan on how they will make your district a better place to live,” said Calvert. “The forum gives the citizens an opportunity to hear from each candidate and allows for getting your questions answered.”

Mario Guerra and Eric Pierce of Talking Downey will serve as co-hosts and moderators.

“Co-hosting and moderating this candidates’ forum is a perfect opportunity to make sure our residents know a little more about the candidates they will be voting for. We will ask about their goals for Downey, their positions, their community involvement and their qualifications for being on the council,” said Guerra. “We hope the forum will provide our residents the facts they need to make informed decisions about our city. We are excited to have all six candidates there and we look forward to it.”

There are six candidates across two district races. 

District 2 is being contested by Dr. Anthony Felix, Jr., Art Montoya, and Hector Sosa and is guaranteed to bring a new councilmember.

In District 4, incumbent Claudia M. Frometa is attempting to earn her second term in office against Joaquin Beltran and Juan Martinez.

As of Monday, five candidates have confirmed their participation in the forum.

Election Day is Nov. 8.