Porterville College & Chamber of Commerce Partner to Host Candidates Forum

College campuses have a long-standing tradition of serving as the heart of the political process, providing a space for open dialogue and civic engagement. As election season gathers momentum, Porterville College is proud to reinforce its deep partnership with the Porterville Chamber of Commerce to bring a City Council Candidate Forum to campus.

Sponsored by the Chamber and hosted by PC, this collaborative event highlights a shared commitment to democratic discourse and strengthening our local community.

The forum will take place on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 PM inside the PC Student Center. It is open to students, faculty, staff, and the entire Porterville community, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from the individuals seeking to shape the future of our city.

From hosting historic debates to acting as neutral ground for community organizing, institutions of higher education, such as Porterville College, occupy a vital space in public life. We are uniquely positioned to foster open dialogue, critical thinking, and civic literacy.

Bringing events like this candidate forum to campus bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application. For students, experiencing the democratic process firsthand reinforces the importance of active citizenship. For the wider community, campus venues provide an accessible, welcoming, and impartial space where neighbors can come together, ask tough questions, and evaluate local leadership side-by-side.

This partnership between Porterville College and the Chamber of Commerce represents the very best of "town-and-gown" collaboration. By combining the Chamber’s dedication to business advocacy and economic vitality with the College’s mission of education and community enrichment, this event ensures that local voters have a premier, well-organized platform to connect with local government candidates.

Designed to ensure a fair, balanced, and informative evening, the forum will feature a moderated panel format. To guarantee that every voice is heard equally, the structure incorporates strict equal-time provisions for all participating candidates, allowing each individual the same opportunity to present their platform, outline their priorities, and address key issues facing Porterville.

Attendees will have the chance to hear what each candidate is all about, gaining deeper insights into their visions for local infrastructure, economic development, community safety, and municipal growth.

This forum will feature the four candidates vying for seats on the city council:

• Scott Bowler
• Paul Vera
• Greg Meister
• Taha Saleh

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Democracy thrives when citizens are informed and engaged. Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time voter, your participation strengthens our community.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 PM and join us on campus for an evening dedicated to the future of Porterville, proudly presented through the collaborative efforts of the Porterville Chamber of Commerce and Porterville College.