Mayoral candidates to speak at luncheons

In their first debate of the political season, Carson City's mayoral candidates will come together at a luncheon hosted by the Republican Women on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the four will be together again for a "meet the candidates" luncheon sponsored by the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce. The mayoral candidates are Tom Keeton, Ray Masayko, Tom Tatro and Neil Weaver.

Larry Osborne, executive vice president, said the chamber traditionally holds forums so the candidates can be exposed to the people.

"Part of the job of the Chamber of Commerce is to make sure the business people know which candidates will be running the city in the future," Osborne said.

Rosemary Smith, who will serve as moderator at the Republican Women luncheon, said an important aspect of the luncheon will be questions from the audience.

"Different people have different needs," Smith said. "This way they can find out what the candidates feel about a particular issue. It also gives you an idea how well versed each candidate is on a particular subject."

This race is of special interest to Republicans, Smith said.

"They're all four Republicans, which means we have to make a choice from them in the primary," she said. "We need to make up our minds who would be the best candidate."

For the chamber this will be the first of four forums that will feature candidates from the various races.

"You want an educated electorate," Osborne said. "It's important to know which candidates stand for which issues."

The chamber's next forum will feature the justice of the peace candidates on July 27 at the Ormsby House.

The Republican Women will host a luncheon for the candidates for city supervisor in August.

If you go:

What: Republican Women luncheon

When: Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Carson Nugget

Cost: $12

Reservations: 883-0178, 246-0185 or 882-7057

What: Meet the Candidates luncheon

When: Wednesday from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Pinon Plaza

Cost: $15 for Carson City Chamber members, $18.50 for non-members

Reservations: 882-1565