Candidate Forum… Fifth Congressional District
More than 100 civic-minded seniors attended the 5th Congressional District Candidate Forum on September 11th at The Center. Senior Statesmen of Virginia (SSV), The Center and the League of Women Voters Charlottesville Area jointly hosted the Forum. The League provided voter registration services and voting information.
President Sue Liberman welcomed everyone and noted the events of 9-11-2001 as we remembered the solemn anniversary. She also paid tribute to the brave men and women on Flight 93. Their collective action avoided additional attacks on our democracy. President Sue encouraged everyone to take action and vote on November 5th…to again prevent an attack on our Democracy.
Gloria Witt, the Democratic candidate for the 5th District, and John A McGuire, Republican candidate, were invited to participate in the Forum. Gloria Witt accepted. Senior Statesmen member Bob Beard moderated.
Candidate Witt shared her background, noting she spent a long career in procurement, enhancing her negotiation and collaboration skills. She is successful in helping people with different, even competing, views find common ground and agreement. She believes a “no” is an opportunity to learn more, and that listening to other points of view can open up discussion and lead to consensus.
Candidate Witt stated that she has several family members who are teachers, and thus believes in the power of excellent schools; restoring a woman’s right to control her own body; changes in access to health care is needed; and changes in gun control to allow background checks and safety requirements. She believes climate change is real and deserves policy attention.
More than a dozen questions were asked, spanning additional topics such as the economy, inflation, Project 2025, Ukraine war with invading Russia, Gaza conflict among Hamas/Israel/Palestine, and more.
Candidate Witt encouraged everyone to vote and invited anyone interested to volunteer!
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