Democratic candidates hold town hall at East Hills Library
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Two Democratic Candidates held a town hall to discuss issues with local voters on what they would like to see get done if chosen in this year's election.
Two of the evening's speakers, hoping to earn votes, were Josh Smead, a candidate for Missouri's 6th District in the House of Representatives. The architect was excited to host this event to speak directly to voters, an opportunity he said contrasts with incumbent Sam Graves, who chose not to run for reelection.
"I'm a proud Democrat, and I, a lot of what I'm doing is helping to show, rural America and rural north Missouri that proud Democrats are everywhere," Smead said about the message he hoped to convey Thursday evening. "I've been doing this now for a year. I put about 10,000 miles on the car. I've met with probably thousands of people at this point all across north Missouri, who are also proud Democrats."
Smead invited LaTonya Williams, who is running for the Missouri House District 10 seat. Williams had not known Smead before the event and was honored to be invited and hear out voters on the issues they felt were important.
As for her message to voters, Williams, who still serves on the St. Joseph School Board, said it's nothing new that voters don't already know about her.
"I'm not new to advocacy. I'm not new to being a voice. For the people. All people in the community already know me. And you know what I'm about. I always keep my word. I'm a very hard worker at all times. And I want for people, you know, to understand."
Along with Smead and Williams was YouTube educator, Mr. Beat', who spoke on the mission to uncap the United States House of Representatives. Also present was former Democratic Nominee for Mo-06 Henry Martin, who shared his stance on today's political climate while backing the two nominees.
"(Williams is) a true leader. So I'm flattered. I'm honored. I'm really joyful that she's willing to participate," Smead said. "Same with Henry Martin. Same with Matt Beat. Some of the Republicans that are running that conservative radio guys, right? Oh, maybe they have a big following. I've got people who are doing events with me who have millions of followers, you know, and they're helping a platform, people like myself."
