Meet the Candidates Forum is an opportunity for voters and candidates to meet one another in a more personal event format compared to a debate. Candidates are provided one table for their campaign staff and handouts. Sponsors are provided one table for their business staff, marketing collateral and any prizes they offer. The voters are provided seating facing the front of the meeting space. The event begins with thanking our attendees, campaigns and sponsors for their support. We will begin introducing candidates to the audience in the order they appear on the ballot. Each candidate will have 5 to 10 minutes of uninterrupted speaking time to discuss their campaign goals, positions on topics and other related topics. After all the candidates have spoken, we will call up any of our sponsors who are running raffles or other give-away contests. When the raffle segment is complete, we thank everyone for their attendance, invite them to visit the candidates at their respective tables, and request attendees complete an event survey to help us improve future events.

Public Photography & Videography Notice

Public photography and videography will occur inside the event venue. Notices will be published at the entrance.

A portion of this event will be streamed live on our YouTube channel, and shared on Helotes News’ social media channels after the event.

COVID-19 Precautions

Face masks are encouraged when not drinking beverages. Tables are spaced several feet apart and seating is limited to 4-6 per table.

Door Prizes

We will draw for door prizes following the candidate speaking portions:

$100 Gift Certificate to Helotes Creek Winery
$100 Gift Card to The Cracked Mug Coffee House
$100 Gift Card to Wine 101
$100 Gift Certificate to Helotes Gallery
$100 Gift Card to Simply Yours Gifts & More
$50 Gift Card to Texas Grounds Coffee Company
One Package – Texas Grounds Coffee Company 12oz bag of Defend Blend, 12oz bag of RollCall Blend, 2x large coffee mugs
One Package – Texas Grounds Coffee Company 12oz bag of Defend Blend, 12oz bag of RollCall Blend, 2x large coffee mugs

Please RSVP to the event so we can prepare the venue with tables, seating, and staffing. This RSVP is for attendees only. Candidates, PACs, and other organizations who didn’t receive an email invite must contact Helotes News to make arrangements.

For Mayor

Tom Schoolcraft – No Response
Rich Whitehead – Attending

For Council Place 3

Norbert “Bert” Buys – No Response
Matthew McCrossen – Attending

For Council Place 5

Paul Friedrichs – Working
Matthew Merchant – Attending

For Trustee, District No. 7

Kevin Escobar – Attending
Blake Rawitt – Attending
Karen B. Freeman – Attending
Kevin McEachirn – No Response

If you are interested in promoting your business to the Helotes residents who will attend, please reach out to us for the sponsorship packet. [email protected] or call 210-780-7647