Candidates for PB city council to speak April 2 at forum

A candidate forum will be held April 2 to help provide more information on the large number of candidates running for two Poplar Bluff City Council at-large seats.

One incumbent and eight challengers have filed for the seats, which will be decided in the April 7 election.

The forum will be hosted by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon at the Holiday Inn. Tickets for chamber members will be $10, and $15 for the general public. It will include lunch, said chamber Director Steve Halter.

“I don’t ever remember having this many people sign up to be considered for our city council,” said Halter. “Obviously there’s some people with some serious interest in what’s happening with our city government, which is exciting.”

Many business people had reached out to the chamber because they weren’t familiar with all of the candidates, Halter said.

“We want to provide an opportunity for the public to get to know their next city council members,” he said.

The April 7 election will see terms expire for council members at-large Steve Davis and Ron Black.

Davis has filed for re-election, while Black did not.

Also running for the two at-large seats are: Robert R. Duckett; Chester L. Pumphrey; Logan Gilham; Jim Chrisman; Peter Tinsley; Christine Taylor; Brent Eason; and Robert E. Durbin.

Ward 5 incumbent and current mayor Robert Smith is running unopposed for a new term.

The individuals elected will serve three-year terms.

“I think that people need to educate themselves on who it is that’s making these important decisions for our city,” said Halter. “I ask that people don’t just sit back and complain about the decisions that are being made, and take proactive stance (instead).”

The chamber hopes all of the candidates involved will take this opportunity to share more about why they are running for council, how they plan to improve the city and their background.

“I would highly encourage them to attend this forum,” Halter said. “If elected, they will be center stage for next term.

“We ask that they don’t shy away, that they come and tell everybody who they are and what they are about.”

No audience questions will be taken during the forum, which will be covered by the Daily American Republic, River Radio and live streamed via the chamber’s Facebook page and YouTube.

Each candidate will be given a maximum of five minutes to discuss the topics presented by the chamber.

Halter will act as moderator, and said the five minute time frame will be enforced.

The chamber also asks anyone wishing to attend the event to RSVP to sbacon@poplarbluffchamber.org.