Thursday night the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum for local candidates running for office’s around the county such as county council, school board and more.
The event consisted of an attentive group of people at the Chrisney 4-H Center who listened to Spencer County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Reinke as she introduced DC Broadcasting General Manager Bill Potter as moderator for the forum.
Reinke elaborates on how this event serves as an informative gathering but also create awareness of local issues.
Reinke says she believes it’s the responsibility for the chamber to help the area be better informed.
She reflected on the importance of voting and self education on local matters stating that while there could be some restrains of the national election, that should not prevent residents to go out and vote for local candidates who want the best for Spencer County.
During the forum candidates were asked questions by the moderator and public about pressing issues in the area such as broadband. Reinke explained that this topic might just be one of the biggest issues for the area right now and the lack of internet connectivity throughout Spencer County. She spoke about a broadband task force consisting of council, commissioners, and others to address the issue and get information from residents. She described a broadband forum attended by about 100 residents who voiced their feelings in regards to connection or disconnection.
Reinke notes that the unreliable broadband connection is affecting the local educational system and says students need a reliable connection to get their school work completed on chrome books or I-pads but at times have to resort to public spaces, their parents’ work place, or other places to do their school work.
Reinke states that it’s hard to bring in new residents to a county if they cannot offer reliable internet connection in a world that is more technological.
