Event gives incumbent, challenger final opportunity to win over local voters

UPDATE 9: 57 a.m. 10/12/18: Change of venue. The forum was moved to Santa Susana High School, organizers said. The time and day remain the same. SMB

The League of Women Voters of Ventura County, a nonpartisan political organization, will host a forum for congressional candidates Steve Knight and Katie Hill at 7 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 25 at Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St.

U.S. Rep. Knight (R-Simi Valley) and Hill, a Democrat from Agua Dulce, are vying to represent California’s 25th Congressional District, which covers Simi Valley as well as Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster and other parts of northern Los Angeles County.

Nearly 381,200 registered voters make up the district, and 65,500 of those are in Simi Valley.

While historically a Republican stronghold, the 25th District has been turning into more of a purple district, with changing demographics that include younger residents and a more ethnically diverse population, Herb Gooch, a retired political science professor who taught at Cal Lutheran University, told the Acorn last month. So while Simi Valley is a traditionally more conservative area, it isn’t one that should be overlooked in the tight race, he said.

Betsy Patterson, president of the League of Women Voters of Ventura County, said the league congratulates both candidates for agreeing to attend the forum and answer questions that concern the residents of Simi Valley.

“It is vital to democracy that voters have an opportunity to see and hear both candidates side by side explaining their views,” she said in a statement.

The Oct. 25 forum is free and open to the public. The moderator will be David Maron, a member of the League of Women Voters, which does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. For more information, go to my.lwv.org/ california/ventura-county.

—Sylvie Belmond