September 28, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact: Rich Kremer
715-839-3869

The West Side Presents 68^th State Assembly District Candidate Forum

The West Side will host a legislative candidate forum featuring candidates from the 68^th State Assembly District, incumbent Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie) and Judy Smriga (D-Thorp), on Thursday, October 4, at 5 p.m. on 88.3 WHWC/Menomonie-Eau Claire. The 68^th Assembly District is made up of parts of Eau Claire, Clark, and Chippewa counties including the cities of Altoona, Osseo, and Thorp.

Host Rich Kremer will mediate the forum, presented in a live, one hour call-in format, encouraging listener participation and discussion. The forum, one of a 9-week series of regional legislative candidate specials, is a part of Wisconsin Public Radio’s continued effort to provide voters in western Wisconsin access to their candidates for public office.

Kathy Bernier was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in November 2010. Bernier serves on the committees of Aging and Long-Term Care; Tourism, Recreation and State Properties; Election and Campaign Reform of which she is Vice-Chair. In 1998 she graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Political Science. Shortly after graduation Bernier was elected Chippewa County Clerk and has also served as Village Trustee for the Village of Lake Hallie.

Judy Smriga is a first time candidate for the State Assembly. Smriga has served the Thorp community by initiating community fundraisers and was appointed to the City of Thorp zoning board. Smirga’s other volunteer projects include restoring the city park, volunteering at Beaver Creek Reserve and serving as Boy Scout den mother. A graduate of Indiana University, Smirga has taught in Wisconsin for over 40 years.

The West Side is a call-in program focused on issues specific to western Wisconsin.  The show airs on Thursdays at 5 p.m. on 88.3 WHWC/ Menomonie-Eau Claire. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at 1-800-228-5615.

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