With election season gearing up, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber is offering community members a chance to speak directly with candidates for the upcoming Santa Maria City Council elections.

The free forum, with candidates running for Council Districts 3 and 4, will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Shepard Hall at the Santa Maria Public Library.

Candidates invited to attend include:

Steven Funkhouser, District 3

Gloria Soto, District 3

Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, District 4

Carol Karamitsos, District 4

The evening will open with an information networking opportunity, 6-6:30 p.m., when attendees will have the chance to talk one-on-one with the candidates. The forum will start at 6:30 p.m. with opening statements from each candidate.

Next, attendees will meet with the candidates in small groups for Q&A sessions. Attendees are encouraged to use this forum to ask questions about issues that impact the economic vitality of the community and families.

“Elections always matter,” said Glenn Morris, president/CEO of the chamber.  “This election, however, is particularly important as our community is preparing to make important decisions about how we will grow and develop over the next 20-30 years.

“Ensuring that members of the City Council understand the implications of those decisions on the community’s ability to deliver good jobs, good housing, and the quality of life we all want is critical.”

Direct questions about the City Council Candidate Forum to Yuliana Nelson, strategic initiatives manager at 805-925-2403 ext. 814 or email yuliana@santamaria.com.