Wellington Forums Let Voters Meet Candidates

As the races for three seats on the Wellington Village Council heat up, members of the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their views during two debates next week.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Wellington Seniors Club will host a candidates forum beginning at noon at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Then, on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., the candidates will answer questions as part of a forum hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at Wellington’s municipal complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Two council seats and the mayor’s seat are up for grabs in the March 13 election. Candidates have until Tuesday, Feb. 14 at noon to make the ballot.

Seat 1, currently held by term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, has drawn two candidates, John Greene and Shauna Hostetler. Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite is seeking re-election to Seat 4. He has been challenged by former Councilman Al Paglia. Mayor Darell Bowen faces a challenge from former Councilman Bob Margolis.

WPTV NewsChannel 5’s Jim Sackett will ask questions of the candidates on Wednesday from a batch of questions submitted by Wellington Seniors Club members.

Then, on Thursday, candidates will share their views in an interactive question-and-answer format.

Another chance to meet the candidates will be during the Wednesday, Feb. 22 Wellington Chamber luncheon, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Wanderers Club (1900 Aero Club Drive). The event costs $20 for members and $30 for non-members. To RSVP, call (561) 792-6525.