Blakeslee, Laird to square off in candidate forum

The four candidates vying for an open seat in the 15th state Senate District will participate in a forum next week to answer questions from the press and public.
John Laird, a Democrat from Aptos; Sam Blakeslee, a Republican from San Luis Obispo; Jim Fitzgerald, an Independent from Nipomo; and Mark Hinkle, a Libertarian from Morgan Hill, will be broadcast live at the event, which is sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Santa Cruz Weekly newspaper.
People can submit questions for the candidates at fo***@sa*************.com.
This is the first public debate in Santa Cruz County between all four candidates, and it comes a week before the Aug. 17 special election.
At a glance
WHAT: 15th state Senate District candidate forum
WHEN: 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12
WHERE: Cabrillo College Music Recital Hall,
6500 Soquel Drive, in Aptos
DETAILS: Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Scotts Valley Recreation Center, 361 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
INFO: 438-3251