KPTZ is beginning a series of candidate interviews intended to inform voters about candidates running in eight local races.
“We are excited to provide this service to our listeners, in order to better acquaint them with the candidates,” said KPTZ Program Director Larry Stein. “We can provide added value to what people might see in forums or read in the newspaper, as the radio format allows candidates to speak in detail without time restrictions.”
The interviews will be conducted in separate formats by two key KPTZ staff members: News team member and Alive! and Kicking DJ host Charlie Bermant will present special report discussions between two district judge candidates on consecutive Thursdays beginning next week. And Tossed Salad host Phil Andrus will conduct extended one-on-one discussions as part of his regular Friday afternoon shows.
Charlie Bermant’s special reports, all to air Thursdays at 12:05pm, begin July 12 with a discussion between District Court Judge candidates Noah Harrison and Mindy Walker.
Subsequent programs include Sheriff candidates Joe Nole and David Stanko (July 19), County Prosecutor candidates Mike Haas and James Kennedy (July 26), and PUD candidates Tom Brotherton and Dan Toepper (August 2).
Because there are only two people running for each office, the results of the Aug. 7 primary do not affect the race, which will be decided in the Nov. 6 general election.
However, the race for Jefferson County Commissioner District 3 is contested, with four candidates vying to replace retiring Commissioner Kathleen Kler: Phil Andrus will offer in depth, one-on-one conversations with the County Commissioner candidates on Friday, July 13 (Ryan McAllister at 2pm and Jon Cooke at 3:15pm) and Friday, July 20 (Greg Brotherton at 2:30pm and Craig Durgan at 3:00pm).
Two legislative races are scheduled this year: Steve Tharanger faces Jim McIntire while Mike Chapman is challenged by Jodi Wilke. Coverage for these races is as yet unscheduled.
Primary ballots are due to be mailed out on July 20.
Following the primary election, Phil and Charlie will conduct follow-up interviews with the candidates prior to Election Day.
