Duluth has experienced visible business growth and housing development in recent years, but not everyone benefits equally. Ongoing disparities in education, housing and wages continue to be among the most critical issues facing our city.
The 2016 Local Solutions to Poverty Candidate Forum takes place on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 2430 W. Third St. It will feature candidates vying to represent Duluth at the Minnesota State Legislature and the St. Louis County Board.
The forum is in the reverse format of most candidate forums: low-income Duluthians, not candidates, will have center stage at the forum to speak about their lives and economic struggles. Candidates will then have an opportunity to share their position on critical policy measures designed to promote fairness and economic stability in our community. Topics will include transportation, affordable housing, healthcare and dental care access, public accountability for state and county programs and living wages.
The following candidates have confirmed they will participate in the forum:
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• Patrick Boyle and Linda Ross Sellner, St Louis County Board District 3
• Beth Olson, St Louis County Board District 2
• Dylan Raddant and Jennifer Schultz, MN House District 7A
• Cody Barringer and Liz Olsen, MN House District 7B
• Donna Bergstrom and Erik Simonson, MN Senate District 7
Jay Fosle, candidate for District 2 St. Louis County Board, has not responded to invitations from forum organizers.
This year will mark the fourth annual Local Solutions to Poverty Candidate Forum. The 2015 forum for city council and mayoral candidates drew over 200 attendees.
For more information call Joel Kilgour at (218) 340-4356.
