Cedar Rapids mayoral candidate forum set for Oct. 12

CEDAR RAPIDS — The first Cedar Rapids mayoral forum for the 2017 election has been set for October.

The forum is being hosted by the Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL-CIO and Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett announced he is not seeking a third term last winter, triggering a wave of contenders for the seat. Corbett is running as a Republican candidate for Iowa governor.

Thus far, declared candidates for mayor are City Council members Kris Gulick and Scott Olson, former director of the Department of Corrections 6th Judicial District Gary Hinzman, former City Council member Monica Vernon, attorney Brad Hart and pastor Tim Pridegon.

Those candidates have confirmed their participation, and any others that declare before the filing deadline also will be invited, according to the Metro Economic Alliance.

The candidate filing period is Aug. 28 to Sept. 21, and the election is on Nov. 7.

'The Hawkeye Area Labor Council seeks to promote legislation that will enable the government to be responsive to the needs of working people and their families,' Rick Moyle, executive director of the Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, said in a statement. 'Providing a direct opportunity to understand each of the candidates' stances is vital to accomplishing this goal.'

Added Doug Neumann, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance: 'Collaborating with Hawkeye Area Labor Council on this public policy advocacy opportunity provides a direct voice to both our memberships to advocate for issues key to our businesses and the region.'