Candidate Academy Encourages People to Run for Local Office

An upcoming informational program aims to encourage people to run for local office. The Candidate Academy will outline the basic requirements, issues, expectations, and practices associated with public service. The no-cost program is being presented by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau and sponsored by ArchCentral Architects of Bloomsburg.

The Candidate Academy will be held on Thursday, February 23rd from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the front meeting room of the Bloomsburg Fire Hall, 911 Market Street. Anyone considering running for a local office such as borough or town council, township board of supervisors, or school board, or who would simply like to better understand the election process is welcome to attend. Topics to be covered will include: timing and deadlines for circulating and filing petitions, campaign financing, reporting requirements, ethics, the Sunshine Act, and other issues. A panel of local elected officials will also share their insights about campaigning and public service.

The last day for candidates to circulate and file nomination petitions for the 2017 elections is March 7th.

As space is limited, anyone interested in attending should register online or by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 570-784-2522. For more information, contact Fred Gaffney, Chamber President, by phone or email at fgaffney@cmpartnership.org.