BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Bonnie Parnell, candidate for the Assembly District 40 seat, speaks during the candidate forum at the Fiesta and Politics event at Fuji Park on Saturday afternoon.
As the presidential election heats up on the national level, local politics are also beginning to sizzle.
Politicians from both parties were invited to speak at the "Fiesta and Politics" forum hosted by the Carson City Democratic Women's Club.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," said Democrat Bonnie Parnell who is challenging incumbent Republican Ron Knecht for the Assembly District 40 seat. "It gives people the opportunity to come out and meet us if they're interested in doing so."
Knecht attended with his wife Kathy and 3-year-old daughter, Karyn, to present his platform.
"I think this is a very good thing whether it's partisan or not," he said. "I'm going to make the same remarks I gave to the Republican Women."
Residents were invited to learn the views of each of the candidates. Rob and Eileen Potter attended with their 14-year-old daughter, Kacey.
"We came to listen to the candidates and support the Democratic Women's Club and tacos - very good tacos," Rob Potter said. "I haven't heard Dave Cook speak so I'd like to listen to him and I'd like to hear Marv Teixeira speak again."
Cook, a former state school board trustee, is challenging incumbent Barbara Myers and fellow challenger Stacie Wilke for the state school board seat.
Teixeira, former Carson City mayor, is challenging incumbent Ray Masayko.
Bob Crowell is not up for re-election this year for the Carson City School Board, but attended the forum as co-campaign-chairman for Shelly Aldean, incumbent city supervisor.
"I think it's important for both parties to show up and talk," he said. "When somebody gets elected, they don't just represent one side of the fence, they represent everybody."
Aldean's challenger, Becky Beisenstein, used the forum as a way to introduce herself to the general public.
"People don't really know me," she said. "This is one of the ways to get known."
For more than 10 years, the Democratic Women's Club has hosted the forum.
"It's Democratic," said president Sandy Osheroff. "It gives people exposure to everyone's opinions, partisan or nonpartisan."
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.
