Elks Lodge Candidate Forum Next Thursday
All candidates on the primary ballot have been invited
By Denise Rivette
On May 23, next Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., the Beartooth Elks Lodge in Red Lodge will be holding their traditional meet and greet for the candidates on the primary ballot featuring a debate for the local candidates running to represent us at the state level. To date, Brad Barker, the incumbent representative for District 55, is the only candidate to confirm his participation in the debate. If the other candidates, Lisa Bennett and Mary Horman, choose not to debate, it will be the first time in the decades-long history of Elks forums that candidates have refused to participate.
This reporter reached out to Bennett and Horman through email to ask if they have changed their minds about participating. Lisa Bennett did not respond. Mary Horman replied that “The Elks have known from the beginning that I have declined the invitation. It seems to be a promotion for a floundering Barker cloaked in a debate, and I see no value in participating. I'm enjoying the last leg of my campaign and I look forward to serving as your representative in House District 55.”
Joel Todd, Beartooth Elks Lodge member and moderator for the debate, stated in response to Horman’s statement, “The Elks have no partisan political agenda. We are providing an opportunity for the voters to meet in person with the candidates.”
Before the election in November, the Elks will hold another debate for the general election candidates selected in the primary and those who did not face a primary opponent.
The best chance for Carbon County citizens to meet and interact with the primary candidates will be at the Beartooth Elks Lodge at 114 Broadway Avenue North in Red Lodge next Thursday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m.