Collbran Job Corps students assisted at Grand Junction’s Voting Forum. Annually the League of Women’s Voters and Kids Voting sponsors the non-partisan event to inform voters of the issues. The forum, run by students, is broadcast live on PBS Channel 12.

    The form features a Candidate Session in which Collbran Job Corps student, James Smith, was the Moderator, “the voice of the event.” Collbran Job Corps student Danielle Green was the time keeper for the event. Ryan Sanchez and Kassie Sandlin, also Collbran students, read questions from the audience. School board candidates spoke and answered questions, with some controversy surfacing. Rachel Nelson, Social Studies instructor, Grand Mesa High School, reported the room got a bit heated; however, “James kept his calm and followed the rules.”

    During the Issues Session individuals spoke for and against two major issues on Grand Junction’s ballot, with controversy again heating the room as conflicting opinions were expressed.  Nelson said, “I was incredibly proud of the students and enjoyed seeing their passion for our community and government increase through this experience.”