Candidates' forum cancelled, voter guide coming

MILFORD — The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Pike County has cancelled its education funding program and Delaware Valley School Board candidates forum, originally scheduled for Oct. 23.
Elizabeth Forrest, the coordinator for the event and vice president of LWV of Pike County, said event could not move forward because of strict rules governing the conduct of LWV forums and debates, including the requirement of 100 percent participation by all candidates within a race.
"We cannot force candidates to participate, but we also cannot appear to favor one or more candidates over others," she said.
She said the cancellation was doubly unfortunate since this was one of the few DV elections in many years notfully decided during the spring primary, when only Republicans and Democrats are allowed to vote. The forum would have provided an opportunity for independent voters, who pay school taxes just like party members do, to meet and hear from the candidates directly.
Lara Anne Dodsworth, president of the Pike LWV, thanked DV for their cooperation. "We encourage all voters to be an informed voter," she said. "We remain committed to bringing timely, non-partisan information to Pike County voters.  It is important to know that the LWV of Pike County never endorses any political candidate or party. We shall continue to hold events for Pike County and currently seek new members to allow us to hold borough/township events throughout Pike County during each election year. Please email us at LWVpikecounty@gmail.com.”
The semi-annual 2017 Voter Guide for the general election will be published online during the second week of October, both on the LWV Pike Facebook page and on its website (lwvpike.org). Information for statewide candidates will be included, but the league will also make room for local candidates to share their contact information and a brief statement.
Candidates wishing to receive a form should email their request to LWVPikeCounty@gmail.com and return it by Oct. 10.