GCC Forums held to involve, inform community

Contributed photo
U.S. Senate candidate Cathy Eden (D) speaks while Lilia Alvarez (representing Randy Parraz (D)), Jerry Joslyn (G), Don Goldwater (representing J.D. Hayworth (R)), and Jim Muhr (representing Jim Deakin (R)) wait their turn.

Gila Community College hosted four candidate forums this past weekend.

The US Senate and US Congress District 1 candidate forums were Friday, July 23. Candidates attending from the US Senate race were Cathy Eden (D), Randy Parraz (D) was represented by Lilia Alvarez, Jerry Joslyn (G), Jim Deakin (R) was represented by Jim Muhr, and J.D. Hayworth (R) was represented by Don Goldwater. US Congress District 1 candidates participating were Russell “Rusty” Bowers (R), Paul Burton (R), Paul Gosar (R), Sydney Hay (R), Joe Jaraczewski (R), Jon Jensen (R), Steve Mehta (R), and Thomas J. Zaleski (R). Friday’s Forum for the Future was well attended with audiences in Globe, San Carlos, and Payson totaling close to 100.

On Saturday, July 24 the Arizona District 5 State Senator and State Representative forums were held. Arizona State Senator District 5 candidate participants were Elaine Bohlmeyer (D) and Bill Konopnicki (R). Candidates attending from the Arizona State Representative District 5 race were Bill Shumway (D), Prescott Winslow (D), Keith Alexander (R), Brenda Barton (R), and Chester Crandell (R). Saturday’s Forums for the Future was also well attended with an audience totaling around 60.

Very positive feedback has been received from the candidates and the audience at all the campuses. Look for cable broadcasts of the forums on CableOne channel 21 in the Globe/Miami area and on channel 62 on NPG Cable in the Payson area soon.

At the Gila Pueblo Campus, Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education hosted a mixer each evening where they sold hamburgers and hot dogs to raise money for their scholarship fund. They estimate that they raised $500 and thank those who purchased food and made donations. For some students, an education isn’t possible without financial help. For more information about PMFHE contact Jerry McCreay at 928.701.3107.

Gila Community College’s objective for hosting the GCC Forums for the Future is twofold. First, much as we hold chamber ensembles, art shows, and poetry readings, it is our desire to involve our students in the political process to broaden their academic experience. Second, we have received great support from the residents of Gila County and this is one way we can provide a service back to them.

The fall semester at Gila Community College begins Aug. 23 and registration is under way. Class schedules are available throughout the community, at all the campuses, and on-line at www.gilaccc.org. Gila Community College is committed to student success.