The Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the “2024 Meet The Candidates Night” next week.

The forum is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct, 17, at the Phoenix Plaza Civic Center, 220 N. Main St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the main event goes from 6-8 p.m. Thirty minutes has been held for the end of the event for meet and greet opportunities with the candidates, according to a news release.

The event starts with each candidate’s opening statement (3 minutes maximum). After opening statements, the moderator will begin asking pre-submitted questions from the community. Each candidate will have an opportunity to address the question. The order of which candidates answer questions will be randomized. If time allows, live questions will be fielded from the audience. Each candidate will provide closing remarks (2 minutes maximum).

To submit a question, fill out the question form using the online link by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. You may submit up to three questions at a time. If you have more than three questions, simply submit another response to the form, the news release said.

“Due to the volume of questions and time constraints, understand that it will not be possible to have time for every question submitted,” chamber officials said. “Candidates will not know the questions ahead of time. The full list of questions will be made available to them after the event, allowing them an opportunity to answer your questions on their own platform.”

The chamber has set guidelines for the forum, including:

• All participants must be civil and respectful with their questions, comments and conduct.
• Your question is more likely to be selected if it is relatable to others (avoid questions that only apply to you individually).
• Be concise with your comments or questions.
• No personal attacks. Focus on the issue.

The Candidates

Mayor (1 position)

Terry Baker (incumbent)

Al Muelhoefer

City Council (3 positions)

Virginia Camberos

Susan Chester

Krista Peterson (incumbent)

Karen Shrader (incumbent)

Nicole Suetos