SENATORIAL FORUM SCHEDULED SEPT. 15 AT COLUMBIA THEATRE
      HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University and area chambers of commerce will sponsor a forum for major senatorial candidates at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 15) at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond.
      The forum will focus on specific needs for economic development in the north shore parishes of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington. In addition to Southeastern and the university’s Student Government Association, participating organizations include the chambers of commerce of Hammond, West St. Tammany, Slidell, Franklinton, and Bogalusa. The event is free and open to the public.
      Participating candidates are U.S. Rep. Chris John, State Treasurer John Kennedy, State Rep. Arthur Morrell and U.S. Rep. David Vitter. Maura Donahue of Mandeville, vice chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will moderate the forum, which features six panelists representing the chambers of commerce and Southeastern SGA.
      The event will be broadcast live on KSLU 90.9 FM, NorthShore 104.7 FM, and various stations affiliated with the Louisiana Radio Network. A televised production of the forum will air in the three parishes at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 on the Southeastern Channel, Charter Cable Channel 18. 
      “Last year’s gubernatorial forum was very successful in allowing candidates to address specific concerns about the north shore,” said Brad O’Hara, Southeastern vice president for student and public affairs and one of coordinators of the forum. “We expect this event will also be very beneficial for the residents of the three parishes in helping them make an informed decision about the Senate candidates.”
      The live radio and taped television broadcasts, O’Hara said, “ensure that anyone in the region interested in this election will have access to the candidates’ thoughts, opinions and positions.”
      O’Hara said candidates have been provided with an economic development white paper that focuses on north shore issues. Originally drafted for the gubernatorial election, the document has been updated and is available from the chambers of commerce or online at www.selu.edu/whitepaper.