The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a virtual forum to showcase the views of candidates running for city commission this fall.            

The Virtual Candidates Forum highlights candidates and their written responses on business, development and other related issues in the city, along with video remarks from four of the five candidates. Three four-year commission seats are up for grabs in the November 7 election, with incumbent commissioners Michele Howard, Gary Howe and Tim Werner facing off against newcomers Jeff Leonhardt and Brian McGillivary. Leonhardt participated in the written portion of the Virtual Candidates Forum, but not in the candidate video responses. Mayor Jim Carruthers is also seeking re-election to a two-year mayoral term and is running unopposed.

“The Virtual Candidates Forum provides an opportunity for people to hear directly from the candidates about who they are and their positions on key issues impacting the city and the business community,” says Kent Wood, director of government relations for the Chamber. “The virtual format allows our members and the public to learn about the candidates when it’s convenient for them to do so.”