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AAUW Sponsors Candidate Forums
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Candidates for City Council and Treasurer in Oakdale and Mayor and City Council in Riverbank have been invited to participate in upcoming forums. The one in Oakdale is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Oakdale City Council Chambers, 277 S. Second Ave., and the Riverbank Forum will take place on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Riverbank City Hall, 6707 Third St.

The event is being sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Oakdale Riverbank Escalon Branch and moderated by the Stanislaus County League of Women Voters.

"This is an opportunity to hear the candidates' unfiltered views on the issues that affect our quality of life," said Carolyn O'Neal, Co-President of AAUW. "In local government, we really do have a say about our leaders and the vision they have for our community. At this forum, you can ask the candidates about the issues that are important to you."

Riverbank voters will be choosing a mayor and two council members. Incumbent Virginia Madueño is being challenged by current councilmember Richard O'Brien for the mayor's post. Seven candidates are running for the City Council. They are Jeanine D. Tucker, incumbent; Darlene Barber-Martinez, Cal Campbell, Leanne Jones Cruz, Anthony D. McKinney, Jessica Molina, and Kathy Salvatorre.

In the Oakdale City Council race two seats are open for a four-year term and one seat for a two-year term. In the four year race incumbents Tom Dunlop and Katherine "Kathy" Morgan are being challenged by J.R. McCarty, Ramona Howard and Donald Petersen. Three candidates, Michael Murray, Farrell Jackson, and Cherilyn Bairos are vying for the two year seat. Voters will also be selecting a new city treasurer. Candidates for that position include Michael Ward and Carolyn Wheeler.

The forums will include a statement from the candidates after which questions will be taken by the audience. All responses will be timed.

Co-President Marsha Love urges people to attend one of the forums.

"Oakdale and Riverbank voters are fortunate to have these forums available," said Love. "The least we can do is to make informed decisions when electing candidates ... candidates willing to work together to resolve the challenges of our home communities."