The Howell County News, in partnership with West Plains Daily Quill and Ozark Radio News, will host a moderated candidate debate tonight at 6 p.m. in the West Plains Civic Center exhibit hall, 110 St. Louis St. The event is free to the public.
The event will open with a panel discussion featuring Howell County officials. Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs, Assessor Daniel Franks, Collector Janet Crow and Sheriff Matt Roberts will consider the impacts of the proposed amendments that will be on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot. If time allows, questions will be taken from the audience.
Following the discussion, Howell County News Editor and Publisher Amanda Mendez will moderate a legislative debate between Democratic candidate JoJo Stewart and Republican candidate Travis Smith, who are competing for the 154th Missouri House District seat. Incumbent Rep. Lisa Durnell, a Republican, declined the invitation to participate.
Following the legislative portion, all four candidates for Howell County Associate Judge — Lyndell Beard, Larry Burton, Heath Hardman and Marty Simpson — will participate in a judicial debate.
In-person attendees may submit written questions for the legislative candidates at the door tonight. Submitted questions will be reviewed by organizers for relevance and read aloud from the audience if approved.
Due to state ethical requirements for judicial races, questions for the associate judge candidates were required in advance and will not be accepted at the event tonight.
