Chelsea mayoral candidates to participate in forum prior to runoff

The two candidates for mayor of Chelsea will have one last chance to address the community on Sept. 29.

Candidates Dale Neuendorf and Tony Picklesimer, both sitting councilmen, will participate in a political forum sponsored by the Greater Shelby Chamber, South Shelby Chamber and Chelsea Business Alliance. The forum will be at Chelsea High School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

The Greater Shelby Chamber’s Governmental Affairs work group, along with individuals from partnering organizations, compiled a list of questions for the candidates. Both candidates will receive the same questions, and they will have an opportunity for a closing statement.

April Stone, director of the South Shelby Chamber, said the chamber has a history of conducting mayoral forums. Because voter turnout in run-off elections is typically low, Stone said the chamber hopes to promote voter participation through the forum.

“If more voters come out because we’ve hosted a forum, then we’ve done our job,” she said.

This election is also important for the City of Chelsea, she said, because it is a chance for citizens to elect a new mayor and decide a path for their city’s future.

“That’s how important it is for Chelsea because there is so much potential there,” she said. “This is an opportunity for everyone to come together, and that’s one reason the South Shelby Chamber has partnered with the Greater Shelby Chamber and Chelsea Business Alliance because it’s going to take everyone coming together to make the future they want.”

Kirk Mancer, president and CEO of the Greater Shelby Chamber, said Chelsea is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the state, and it is important for citizens to be involved in a vote that determines the next mayor of the city.

“It is a very important election as Chelsea continues to move forward,” he said.