Beggs residents will have a valuable opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking public office in the upcoming election at the 2025 Beggs Candidate Forum, hosted by the Beggs Chamber of Commerce. The forum will take place on Tuesday, March 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Beggs High School Cafeteria, located at 1201 9th Street.

The event will feature candidates vying for key positions that will shape the future of the Beggs community. Those in attendance will include:

• Roger Merrill & Gary Teurman - Candidates for Mayor of Beggs

• Ernie Ferreira, Chip Smalley & Barbarbra Cooks - Candidates for Okmulgee County Commissioner, District 1

• Jessie Spring & Melanie Harvey - Candidates for Beggs School Board Office 5 This forum offers an important platform for community members to engage with the candidates, learn about their policies, and ask questions about pressing local issues. The Beggs Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to attend and take an active role in shaping the leadership of their city and schools.

--- The Importance of Being Informed & Voting Local elections have a direct impact on the everyday lives of Beggs citizens. Decisions made by the mayor, county commissioners, and school board members influence infrastructure projects, business growth, public safety and the quality of education. Attending candidate forums allows voters to make informed choices, ensuring their voices are represented in leadership.

In addition to attending the forum, voters should take note of the upcoming election schedule. Early voting will be available on Thursday, March 27, and Friday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Okmulgee County Courthouse, Room 102, located at 314 W. 7th Street in Okmulgee. The official election day is Tuesday, April 1.

The Beggs Chamber of Commerce urges all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process. Bringing questions to the forum and casting a ballot are critical steps in shaping the future of the Beggs community.