Primary elections are quickly approaching in Waukesha County.
To better know the candidates and learn their positions for two of the contested races, the Waukesha County Business Alliance is hosting two forums.
The Alliance’s Southside Business Council program will host candidates for the 97th Assembly District on Friday, July 18, for a candidate forum and meet-and-greet.
The forum is from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Culver’s, 840 W. Sunset, Waukesha. The program is free to attend. Pre-registration is available online, but not required. Information is available at www.waukesha.org.
The WCBA has also invited all candidates for the 97th Assembly District to complete a questionnaire with their positions on important issues. Answers from that questionnaire will be available on Wednesday, July 23, at www.waukesha.org.
The Republican candidates in the 97th Assembly District primary, to be held on Aug. 12, include Scott Allen, Joe Banske, Kathleen Cummings, Aaron Perry, Brandon Rosner and Vince Trovato.
No Democrats are running for the position and the one Libertarian candidate did not file the necessary paperwork with the state to appear on the ballot.
The winner replaces Rep. Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha), who is not seeking re-election amid sexual assault charges in Waukesha County.
The 97th Assembly District includes the southern half of the city of Waukesha, the southwestern portion of the town of Waukesha, the southeastern portion of the town of Genesee and the northeastern portion of the town of Mukwonago.
Waukesha County Sheriff
The WCBA will also host candidates on the primary ballot for Waukesha County Sheriff at its monthly “One-on-One with Your Public Official” program on Friday, July 25.
County Sheriff candidates Eric Severson and Tom Alioto will speak at the program, which includes a question-and-answer for attendees to ask about important issues.
The program is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Waukesha County Business Alliance Office, 2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 300, Waukesha. The program is free to attend. Pre-registration is available online, but not required. Information is available at www.waukesha.org.
The winner will replace Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki, who is retiring at the end of the year.
“It’s absolutely critical that voters be engaged in the process, especially in these important primary elections, which often see low voter turnout,” said Suzanne Kelley, president of the WCBA. “Our elected officials are working on behalf of their constituents and it’s important that voters educate themselves about the candidates, and then show up Aug. 12 to cast a vote.
“The Alliance is committed to doing our part to provide forums for the business community to meet candidates, given the huge impact elected officials have on the local business community.”