Community Forum for Village Candidates

Description

Elk Rapids Area Chamber to Host Community Forum for Village Candidates
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Community Forum for candidates running for Elk Rapids Village office on Wednesday, October 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Peterman Auditorium at Elk Rapids High School.

The forum will provide residents and community members an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to serve the Village of Elk Rapids.
The Chamber has invited all candidates to participate.  The candidate for Village President has confirmed participation, along with four of the five candidates running for Village Council.

 A Community Conversation
The forum will be facilitated by Rick Bellingham, who will lead the evening and present a series of prepared questions to the candidates. The questions will focus on issues relevant to the Village and its residents and will give each participating candidate an opportunity to share their perspectives.

Community members will also have an opportunity to submit questions.
Questions from the audience will be submitted in writing and provided to the facilitator. Rick Bellingham will ask questions from those submitted and incorporate them into the discussion as time allows.

This format is intended to provide a structured and respectful conversation while giving the community an opportunity to raise topics that are important to them.
Following the forum, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and continue the conversation informally.

“We are pleased to bring the community together for an evening where residents can hear directly from the candidates and learn more about the issues facing our Village,” said Jean Derenzy, Executive Director of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want to create a welcoming, nonpartisan environment where the community can listen, ask questions and be part of the conversation.”

The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event as a nonpartisan community forum.

Community Forum
Elk Rapids Village Candidates
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Peterman Auditorium
Elk Rapids High School
The forum is free and open to the public.
The Chamber encourages residents, business owners and community members to attend and participate in this opportunity to hear from the candidates seeking to serve the Village of Elk Rapids.