Orange County Democrats host candidate forum in Strafford

STRAFFORD — The annual Vi and Ned Coffin Memorial Forum is scheduled to take place at the Strafford Town House on Sunday afternoon.

The forum, hosted by the Orange County Democratic Committee, is set for 3 to 4:30 p.m. at 12 Brook Road.

Participants include Vermont gubernatorial candidate Esther Charlstin, along with Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor, Thomas Renner, of Winooski, and incumbent Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, of Hinesburg.

Charlstin, of Middlebury, faces a primary challenge from Peter Duval, D-Underhill. The primary will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Former state Rep. Don Hooper, who also served as Vermont Secretary of State from 1993 to 1995, will moderate the discussion. During the first hour, each candidate will give a presentation in addition to answering questions from the audience. Orange County legislators will discuss policy issues during the last half hour.

Attendees may also bring a picnic to eat on the Town House’s grounds before the event from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, email Sherry Merrick at smsherry28@gmail.com.