OTHELLO — A candidates forum of the contested races in Othello will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22. The forum is being sponsored by five Othello businesses — GPS Financial, Basin Insurance, RDO Equipment, Johnson’s Glass and Othello Dental Arts.

“We’ve invited all the candidates with contested races,” said Tony Ashton, one of the organizers.

In the past, the Othello Chamber of Commerce has hosted the candidate forum. This will be the first year that the chamber is not involved.

“When we found out that the chamber had decided not to do one, we felt it was important to have one,” Ashton said.

There are a large number of contested races in Othello. Jon Erickson is challenging incumbent Eugene Bain for Othello City Council Position No. 4. Donna Reichert and Gayle Bohannan are running against each other for Adams County Hospital District No. 3 Commissioner Position No. 2.

The Othello School Board has two contested and one up for grabs. Sharon Schutte is challenging Board Chairman Rob Simmons for school board director for District 2. Mike Garza is being challenged by Roger Durkee for school board director Position No. 5 — at large. James Fleishman is running as a write-in candidate. Up for grabs is school board director for District 4. Isuaro Pruneda and Lindsy Prows running against each other for that seat.

“We want to help voters to be educated,” Ashton said. “We’re doing it as a service.”

In the past, approximately 50 people have attended the candidates forum. Ashton expects more attendees this year, due to the large number of contested races. Community members are encouraged to submit questions. Chris Dorow will be the moderator.

The candidates forum will be held at the Reichert’s Showhouse, 130 N Broadway Ave in Othello, on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information or to submit a question, email tony@gpsfin.com or text 509-989-0827.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.