MT. VERNON – The local election scene goes into high gear next week as candidates for several posts talk directly to the voters at the Mt. Vernon Grange’s Candidate Night on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) will moderate the event, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Grange Hall. Ferrioli is unopposed in his bid for re-election.

Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer and write-in challenger Mike Durr also are scheduled to speak at the event.

State House candidates scheduled to participate include incumbent Rep. John Huffman (R-The Dalles) and challenger Mike Ahern, a Madras Democrat. They are seeking the House District 59 seat.

Cliff Bentz, who won the primary contest in House District 60, also will appear. He is an Ontario Republican.

Each of the candidates will be given about five minutes to state their position, followed by a question and answer session. Members of the audience will be invited to write their questions on cards that will be read by the moderator.

Organizer Jean Sagert said some other candidates have been invited, but have not confirmed. In addition, some candidates who are running unopposed for county seats are expected to be at the event and available to answer questions from voters but will not be scheduled as speakers.

Sagert is hoping for a good turnout from the community, as the event offers an excellent opportunity to see and hear the candidates in person.