On behalf of the membership of the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley, I want to extend our thanks to those who participated in the candidate forum on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Freshman Campus.

Rotary exists to promote the ideal of “service above self.” So, we see great value in an event like this, where voters have the opportunity to talk face to face with those who will represent them in their government. Dick Ryon’s effort in organizing made this event possible, and he was able to do so on very  short notice. He did an excellent job.

Even in this off-cycle election year, there are still many important races, and I want to thank the 12 candidates and representatives who made themselves available to answer questions from voters. If you were not able to attend our forum, I would encourage you to read the voter’s guide and visit the websites of the candidates for office. And most importantly, please exercise your cherished right to vote.

I want to thank Mount Si High School for making its facilities available, My Cakes for providing the food, Starbucks for bringing the coffee, and Living Snoqualmie for its promotional efforts. We look forward to future events like this.

Peter D. Bullard

President, Snoqualmie Valley Rotary