Continuing a six-year tradition, Harry Gatjens will be hosting get-togethers with candidates for Edmonds political offices. These events, called “Coffee with Harry,” will give interested citizens an opportunity to sit down with opposing candidates and ask questions about their stands on issues related to the city.

The first coffee of 2015 will be this Thursday, Sept. 24, at 9:45 a.m. at Chanterelle Restaurant. Chanterelle provides meeting space and a complimentary cup of coffee for anyone who wishes to attend and participate. Those candidates appearing this Thursday are Edmonds City Councilmember Lora Petso and her opponent Neil Tibbott.

The two candidates have agreed to answer questions asked “on the fly” by the citizens who attend. There are no pre-prepared questions and so this is a real opportunity to ask questions that are important to you.

Gatjens will moderate the get-together and try to keep things on track. The ground rules are people can ask whatever they want but they are required to be cordial and let the candidates answer the questions without interruption. Civility is paramount to giving everyone in attendance opportunity to both hear and be heard.

As in the past, of recap of the coffee will appear in My Edmonds News a few days after the coffee for those who are unable to attend. Additionally, this year we will videotape each of the sessions and post them so people can view the questions, answers and atmosphere.

Chanterelle has been host for many coffees in the past and provides a nice space and complementary coffee, although more exotic drinks and/or food are available for those who wish to buy something else. As stated above, the coffee will start at 9:45 a.m. and last a little over an hour.

Nowhere but in Edmonds are candidates open to sitting down together and answering questions of the public. Please take advantage of this opportunity to meet and query those who wish to serve the city.

This will be the first of several Coffee with Harry events this election season. As additional ones are scheduled, details will be posted here on My Edmonds News.