The Coos County League of Women Voters will host candidate forums at Coos Bay City Hall. These events are opportunities for voters to hear from the candidates and to ask questions.

Wednesday, Oct. 15 — 7 to 8 p.m., candidates for Coos Bay mayor: Jeff McKeown, John Muenchrath. Then from 8 to 9 p.m., candidates for State Rep. District 9 include Al Pearn, R-Florence, and Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay.

Thursday, Oct. 16 — 7 to 8 p.m., candidates for State Senate District 1: Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg, and Eldon Rollins, D-Coquille. Then from 8 to 9 p.m., Coos County ballot measures: Tax to operate county public health department, tax to operate jail and drug enforcement and ordinance limiting/restricting expenditure of county forest fund.

The league is focusing on contested races, including Coos Bay mayor, state Rep. District 9 and state Senate District 1. Candidates for District 1 state representatives were invited, but they declined, as they will be at a forum in Curry County.

League members will read the basic facts of each measure, and will provide arguments in favor and in opposition. County commissioners and staff members will be on hand to answer written questions about each ballot measure.

Nationally, the League of Women Voters has a long-standing reputation for running non-partisan voter information events. League events do not allow promotional materials for a particular candidate or issue. Questions are submitted in writing, to avoid duplicate or inflammatory questions. Candidates will be held to time limits when speaking to make sure all participants have equal opportunity to present their positions.

For more information, call Judith Van Duzer Uno at 267-6508.