BANGOR, Maine — Business and economic development will be the focus next week when all seven Republican gubernatorial candidates gather to discuss their strategy should they become the state’s chief executive.
The Republican forum, sponsored by the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and the law firm Eaton Peabody, is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Eastern Maine Community College’s Rangeley Hall in Bangor. A similar forum for Democrats, also sponsored by the Chamber, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 3 at Husson University’s Gracie Theatre.
The events are the latest of dozens of public forums over the past several months involving the 12 candidates who are vying for the Democratic and Republican nominations during the June 8 primary election.
John Porter, president and CEO of the Bangor Chamber, said candidates would be allowed introductory statements and one minute each to answer several questions. Candidates who are directly criticized by another candidate will be given an opportunity to respond.
“This is going to be a really good event,” said Porter. “It’s a chance to let the candidates talk about their visions.”
The questions that will be asked were gathered by the Chamber’s governmental affairs committee as well as its membership. The Republican debate will be moderated by Catherine Pegram of WABI-TV in Bangor, and the Democrats will be moderated by WABI’s Jim Morris.
“We want to try to get them off their talking points and say from a practical standpoint what they think they can do for the state and the state of affairs in our state government,” said Porter.
The two debates are open to the public with no admission fee, but tickets will be issued in advance and will be required for admission. To order a ticket, call the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce at 947-0307.
The Chamber will conduct another forum in the fall that includes independent candidates who will appear on the November ballot.
