Any lull in local politics that existed after May’s Maricopa City Council election will come to a halt Aug. 12 when candidates running for Pinal County Sheriff, Pinal County District 3 Supervisor and District 23 State Legislators convene for a candidate forum at the Global Water Center. The event, which is sponsored by 85239.com, Global Water and Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.

“An engaged public is critically important to the future of our city,” said Scott Bartle, publisher of 85239.com and 85239 The Magazine. “We need more Maricopans to be involved in the political process and to vote, a right too many of us take for granted.”

Among the candidates who are scheduled to participate are:
Pinal County Sheriff Candidates
• Paul Babeu
• Chris Vasquez
• Jayme Valenzuela

Pinal County District 3 Supervisor Candidates
• Dennis Dugan
• Tom Hollenbeck
• David Snider

Arizona State Senate District 23 Candidates
• Rebecca Rios
• Andre Campos

Arizona House of Representatives District 23 Candidates
• John Fillmore
• Frank Pratt
• Krista Pacion
• Dorian Bond

The event will be televised live on Maricopa Channel 20. For more information, call the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce at (520) 568-9573.