ST. GEORGE, Utah ­— The Dixie State University Institute of Politics & Public Affairs is partnering with the Utah Foundation to host a legislative candidate forum.

The forum will feature candidates running for the Utah State Legislature that represent Washington County, and is set to take place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, in the Zion Room on the fifth floor of Dixie State’s Holland Centennial Commons.

Individuals scheduled to participate in the forum are: Brad Last (R) and Chuck Goode (D), who are running for House District 71; uncontested candidates Jon Stanard (R, District 62), V. Lowry Snow (R, District 74), and Walt Brooks (R, District 75); and Senate District 29 candidates Don Ipson (R) and Dorothy Engelman (D). Stephen Kroes, president of Utah Foundation, and Shawn Teigen, the foundation’s research director, will moderate the forum.

“This is an excellent opportunity for community members to compare their priorities with those of our local candidates,” Henrie Walton, director of DSU’s Institute of Politics & Public Affairs, said. “The outcomes of local legislative races arguably have a much bigger impact on the day-to-day lives of southern Utahans than do national elections, which usually receive much more attention.”

The Utah Foundation promotes a thriving economy, well-prepared workforce and high quality of life for Utahns by performing thorough, well-supported research that helps policymakers, business and community leaders, and citizens better understand complex issues. As part of its Utah Priorities Project, the foundation has conducted surveys during each gubernatorial election over the past 12 years to discover the top 10 priorities of voters, delegates and candidates each election cycle. Questions asked at the forum will be based on this year’s results and consequently will focus on issues including healthcare, air quality and K-12 education.

For more information about Dixie State University, visit dixie.edu, and to learn about the Utah Foundation and the Utah Priorities Project, go to www.utahfoundation.org.