To the editor:

Response to the League of Women Voters of Kitsap election forums this season was fantastic.

We had good turnout throughout; one primary event had 91 folks in attendance!

During the primary we hosted three forums, covering five seats with 19 candidates in attendance. During the general election, between Sept. 29 and Oct. 24, we hosted five forums that covered 10 different races with 26 candidates and panelists sharing their positions.

Our stalwart partners, the Kitsap Historical Society, the NAACP and the Kitsap Regional Library supported us. We are so fortunate to work with Bremerton Kitsap Access Television. They were able to record our forums and replay on their station while also providing access by internet link. These valued partnerships increased our reach to the community and our members.

In order to air the most number of issues, our process is to request written questions from the audience which are then reviewed and consolidated by league members for use by our moderators. Consolidation makes sure that the most topics possible are covered during the evening by candidates. We received more than 500 questions on a wide variety of topics during our eight election forums.

In this time of loud, rancorous elections, the league is proud that we continue to receive great feedback about our process that allows all to be heard fairly and on the issues important to the folks in our community.

Thanks to all involved; the candidates and attendees, the governments providing facilities, and our members and partners.

MYRA HOWREY

President, LWV Kitsap

Suquamish