One of the Sioux City League of Women Voters candidate forums will not be held next month, due to several nominees not taking part.
The league has held the forums for many years in Sioux City. Two forums had been slated weeks ago, and one will still be held for those seeking Woodbury County elective office.
However, three candidates for the planned October 6 legislative forum declined invitations or did not respond, a league release said Friday. Those are Bob Henderson, Christopher Prosch and Josh Steinhoff, who are Republicans seeking Iowa Legislative positions.
The Democrats in those legislative races from Sioux City, Catelin Drey, Jessica Lopez-Walker and Shawn Olorundami, had said they would take part.
The league said it is disappointing that prospective voters can’t see all the candidates in the forums. The release noted that the league “does not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Its nonpartisan policy does not, however, prevent it from taking positions on public policy issues.“
Henderson, Steinhoff, and Prosch took part in the fall 2024 league forums.
All candidates for the Woodbury County County Board of Supervisors and county attorney have confirmed their participation, so that forum is still taking place at 7 p.m. October 5, at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
The WITCC Mass Media Department jointly hosts the event with the Sioux City League of Women Voters.
