Published: April 01, 2008 10:53 pm      

Candidates in 71st to speak tonight

Voters will get a chance tonight to meet a large field of candidates for the state House 71st Legislative District.

A free forum, sponsored by The Tribune-Democrat and WJAC-TV, is scheduled for7 p.m. at Richland High School.

The latest of several such public gatherings, it is focused on the seven-person race for the seat held by state Rep. Ed Wojnaroski, a Democrat who is retiring at year’s end.

Republican candidate Steve Ettien said he has found the forums “very helpful,” adding that hearing directly from voters changes his outlook.

“It gives you a completely different perspective,” Ettien said. “So I think they’re great.”

While Republican Jim Rigby still may be listed on the April 22 primary ballot, he no longer is pursuing his party’s nomination.

That leaves Ettien, a Richland Township resident, as the only active GOP candidate.

The six Democrats seeking the primary nomination are Bryan Barbin of Westmont, Benny Britt of Johnstown, Tom Chernisky of Geistown, Denny Conahan of Ferndale, J.J. Livingston of Ferndale and William Stasko of Westmont.

At tonight’s forum, each candidate will have a chance to introduce himself.

Two moderators, Tribune-Democrat Editor Chip Minemyer and WJAC anchor Marty Radovanic, will ask questions.

The moderators also will accept written questions for the candidates from the audience.

The 71st district includes Johnstown; the townships of Conemaugh (Cambria County), Richland and Stonycreek; and the boroughs of Brownstown, Daisytown, Dale, East Conemaugh, Ferndale, Franklin, Geistown, Lorain, Southmont and Westmont.