Candidate to discuss education in Sisters

Bill A. Smith, Democratic Party candidate for State Representative, will host a discussion on education issues at Sisters Athletic Club on Friday, October 6 at 6 p.m.

Refreshments will be served, and "I'll take some time to visit... and take questions," Smith said.

While the focus will be on education issues, "other questions will come up, I'm sure," Smith said.

Smith, who is running against incumbent Republican Gene Whisnant for the District 53 seat, said he hopes anyone interested in education or other state matters will come to the event, which is expected to run for about two hours.

"We've been drawing a pretty good cross-section of Democrats and Republicans," said Smith, who has been campaigning on a platform of breaking down intense partisan divides in the state legislature.

"We hope to draw anybody," he said. "It shouldn't have much to do with parties. It should have to do with education."

Education is near and dear to Smith's heart. He currently serves on the Bend-La Pine School Board and has worked as a teacher and a coach.

Smith told The Nugget that his campaign has turned up intense interest in education issues and in health care concerns, with both issues often revolving around questions of establishing stable funding.

Sisters Athletic Club is located at the east end of Sisters, at 1001 Desperado Trail. For more information call 382-8473.