BY CYNTHIA SOTO
The Putnam Herald
October 10, 2008

HURRICANE -- The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and Putnam County Rotary Club hosted a candidate forum Tuesday evening at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane.

The forum featured 17 candidates and an audience of about 40 people. It was moderated by Advantage Valley President Mike Herron. The candidates who attended the session were: Division 1 Circuit Judge candidates Judge Edward Eagloski, a Republican, and Phillip Stowers, a Democrat; circuit clerk candidate Darlene Smith, a Democrat; magistrate candidates Kim Blair, Kylene Dunlap Brown and Linda Hunt, all Republicans; candidate for sheriff Mark Smith, a Republican; candidates for county commission Steve Andes, Republican, and Bob Leslie, Democrat; candidates for Assessor D.W. "Peachie" Arthur, Democrat, and Sherry Hayes, Republican, District 14 House of Delegates candidates Troy Andes, Republican, Karen Coria, Democrat, Jeff Martin, Democrat, and Patti Eagloski Schoen, Republican; and State Senate candidates Sen. Karen Facemyer, R-Putnam, and Rocky Holmes, Democrat.

Marty Chapman, Putnam County Chamber president, said it's the goal of the Chamber to provide forums like this to educate the community of the views of the candidates so people will be informed voters.

"Hopefully we can get your questions answered tonight," he said as question cards were offered to the public to fill out.

All the candidates were given an opportunity to discuss their background and qualifications and offered remarks on their plans and views within the guidelines set forth at the beginning of the forum.

However, of all those present, there was notable frustration from circuit judge candidate Phillip Stowers in regards to the cancellation of a debate originally offered by the Chamber of Commerce that would have allowed Stowers and Eagloski a chance to face off on the issues of their candidacy.

Eagloski had declined to participate in the event via a letter to the Chamber of Commerce last week. Stowers said he felt the community needed to hear answers to more than a couple of questions to decide who they would elect to fill an eight-year term and was disappointed that voters would now not have that opportunity.

Eagloski responded stating, "This is not a practical place for a debate. Judges cannot debate."

Stowers argued against Eagloski's reasoning, referencing numerous Supreme Court candidate debates that had taken place. Eagloski said the Supreme Court falls under different guidelines then the circuit judgeship.

Following the candidates' closing remarks, moderator Herron summed up the forum saying, "Let's remember how difficult it is to run for office. We need people like this to run and make a difference."

Putnam County registered voters may take advantage of the opportunity to vote early from Oct. 15 through Nov. 1 at the old courthouse building in Winfield. Polls for early voting are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have voting questions, you may call the County Clerk's office at 304-586-0202.