CR Chamber hosts candidate school

CEDAR RAPIDS -- The Linn Area BizPAC is hosting the Linn Area Political Leadership Academy

June 25 - 26 at the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

Individuals thinking of running for office at the state or local level are encouraged to attend. The goal of the academy is to better educate potential candidates on what it means to be a candidate and introduce them to what may come once elected. Guest speakers include Charlie Smithson, director and legal counsel of the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board, Jeff Schott of the Institute of Public Affairs at University of Iowa, and a diverse media panel.

Local and state officials will be available to help participants and will be joined by past elected officials sharing their experiences.

Among the topics to be discussed are: the legal responsibilities of being a candidate; the role of an elected official and the role of staff; critical issues and what qualifies a candidate; local resources available; and how to work with the county auditor; and fundraising and marketing research.

There is no cost for the academy, but registration is required. To register, please contact Sara Mentzer with your name and home address at smentzer@cedarrapids.org or (319)730-1404.