Come on out and join us for the debate between Democrat Gwen Mason and Republican Bill Cleaveland. The two are vying to replace Republican William Fralin in the House of Delegates.

The debate is Tuesday at 7pm at the Tanglewood Holiday Inn. It’s sponsored by the AARP Virginia, Alzheimer’s Association, the Virginia Chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living and the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging. I will serve as the moderator.

Below is the new release from the sponsoring groups. I look forward to seeing you there!

HOUSE DISTRICT 17 CANDIDATES TO FACE OFF AT DEBATE

ROANOKE _ Voters in Virginia House District 17 will have a chance to ask the candidates questions and hear their positions on issues at a candidate debate on Tuesday, September 29.

Candidates Bill Cleaveland (R) and Gwen Mason (D) will participate in the forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood in Roanoke.  Jay Warren, anchor at WSLS Channel 10 will moderate the event.

AARP Virginia, Alzheimer’s Association, the Virginia Chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living and the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging have joined together to host a series of candidate debates.  This will be a unique opportunity for candidates to talk with voters about issues important to Virginians 50+ and adults with disabilities, a population that is expected to increase by 1.3 million in the next 25 years and is consistently the most reliable voting demographic.

“AARP is proud to sponsor this candidate forum to give voters an opportunity to hear their candidates’ positions and ask them questions,” said Bill Kallio, AARP Virginia State Director.

The debate is open to the public, but registration is requested.  To register, call 1-877-926-8300.

Mason and Cleaveland are vying to succeed Delegate William Fralin.  Cleaveland is an attorney in private practice in Botetourt County.  Mason is a member of Roanoke City Council.  Warren, the moderator, is an award-winning journalist who’s been with WSLS since 1998.  He serves as the anchor of the station’s 5, 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.  He also co-anchors the FOX 21/27 10 o’clock news and is WSLS’s senior political correspondent.