Residents Able to Question Candidates in Public Forum Tomorrow
by Jonathan Weaver
In about four weeks, Armstrong County voters will narrow the list of candidates for commissioner, treasurer and register and recorder, among other offices.
Tomorrow night at the Manor Township Fire Hall along Byron Street, the Armstrong County Farm Bureau might help residents cast their vote with ‘Candidates Night.’
Starting at 7PM, residents will be able to submit questions that might be answered.
Val Huston and Bob Iseman have been planning the event for about a month, in conjunction with other officials from the Armstrong County Farm Bureau and Region 6 Regional Organization Director Brittany Eisenman.
Huston, a registered Republican, said she always votes for the individual (even if that does go against party affiliation) and will also have some questions tomorrow night.
“I vote for who I think will do a good job, regardless of party affiliation,” Huston said. “I think most people try and do that.
“There’s a lot of interesting things out there to ask candidates and see where they stand on certain issues.”
Huston said Clean and Green rates will be a point of interest due to her family beef farm – which spans about 170 acres near “Speedy’s Tasty Treats” on Route 66. The farmland has been in the family now for eight generations
Huston said the Farm Bureau has hosted a candidates’ question-and-answer session before past elections.
Iseman, owner of Iseman’s Exotic Pet Paradise in Ford City and a board director for more than 30 years, said there won’t be any specific issues discussed, but he is curious to see what comes up.
Iseman also hopes many local residents attend the free event.
More than a dozen candidates for Armstrong County commissioner have RSVP’d to the event. Democratic Candidate Bid Atwood of Kittanning and Republican Candidate Wade Bowser of Freeport are not expected to attend.
Other row office candidates – incumbent Controller Myra “Tammy” Miller and challenger Calvin Creighton, incumbent Treasurer Amanda Slagle Hiles and challenger Deb Whiteman - are scheduled to attend as well
Huston was pleased with the turnout of candidates expected.
Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig – who served for four years under Governor Tom Corbett - will serve as moderator tomorrow evening.

The Farm Bureau met in mid-March 2015 for a special awards ceremony. The Manor Township Fire Hall will once again be the chosen location for the Public Forum tomorrow. (KP File Photo)
By unclbuck, April 22, 2015 @ 9:53 AM
WHEN A FARM UNDER CLEAN AND GREEN IS SOLD TO A GAS COMPANY. WHY DOES THIS PROPERTY 2 YEARS LATER STILL REMAIN UNDER CLEAN AND GREEN EVEN THOUGH A GAS COMPANY OWNS IT, AND HAS A PUMP STATION ON IT. WHO DO WE PAY AND WHO IS IN CHARGE OF KEEPING THESE RECORDS.
By Hazzard, April 22, 2015 @ 10:09 AM
It must not be important enough for a few of the candidates to express their views to the electorate on whatever the questions are. I applaud the Farm Bureau for hosting this event.