Health fair, candidate forum set for Oct. 30

     With the Nov. 6 General Election fast approaching, the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition is giving voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates themselves.

     The Coalition is hosting a legislative forum on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. The forum will be held in the Monticello City Council Chambers inside the Renaissance Center (220 E. First St.) in downtown Monticello.

     Those candidates slated to attend include:

     • Tod Bowman, Democrat, Iowa Senate Dist. 29

     • Andy McKean, Republican, Iowa House District 58

     • Joe Oclon, Democrat, Iowa House Dist. 58

     • Lee Hein, Republican, Iowa House Dist. 96

     • Reenie Montgomery, Democrat, Iowa House Dist. 96

     • Kristofer Lyons, candidate for Jones County Attorney

     The theme for the candidate forum is “Substance Abuse and Mental Health.”

     “These overarching policies affect us all,” said Jennifer Husmann, Coalition project coordinator.

     The Coalition has held townhall events in the past, typically around election season. Husmann said it gives the public a chance to hear about these pressing issues from those running for state office.

     The forum is expected to run from 6:30-8 p.m. The Coalition has already prepared several questions for the candidates to review prior to the event. There will be some time for the general public to propose questions at the end.

     “We want to stick with mental health and substance abuse,” Husmann said of the open questions, “or something related.” Husmann suggested other topics of interest might be sex trafficking and Medicaid.

     The Coalition focuses its efforts on youth substance abuse with methamphetamines, marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco.

     Moderator of the forum will be Coalition member and Jones County Ranger John Klein.

     Before the forum, the public is invited to come early to attend the “World Café Health Fair” from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Representatives from various local health and human service organizations will be on hand: Public Health, ASAC, JCSHY Coalition, 1^st Five, Abbe Center, Hillcrest Family Services, local food pantries, and Lutheran Services, as well as several others. Snacks will be provided.

     Those who come early will receive a passport. The idea is to make your way around the room as the agencies stamp your passport, representing different countries around the world. The last stamp will be the candidate forum. Those who fill their passports can enter their name in a drawing for a prize gift certificate to a local dining establishment.

     “We wanted to have fun with it,” explained Husmann.

     The Coalition will also take some time at the start of the forum to recognize Jones County and local communities who have helped to reduce youth substance abuse.

     RSVPs are not necessary for the event. For more information, call Husmann at 319-462-4327 ext. 202.