The public is invited to hear from candidates running for county and state offices during the 17th annual Issues & Answers Night set for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the new Glenwood Springs City Hall.The event will feature candidates in the contested races for state representative in District 61 as well as for Garfield County commissioner, sheriff and treasurer.Members of the local media will pose questions to candidates, and a volunteer moderator will follow strict League of Women Voters guidelines during the evening. Each candidate will be allowed a 90-second opening speech, and questions will be alternated between candidates, with two-minute answers and one-minute rebuttals allowed for each question. Members of the audience will be allowed to submit questions, and call-in questions will be accepted from local viewers watching the live broadcast on Channel 12 television. The evening will begin with Russ George, Colorado Division of Wildlife director, representing incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Owens, followed by Bill Thiebaut, a Democrat who is running for lieutenant governor. Candidates for state representative in local District 61 will square off including incumbent Gregg P. Rippy, Republican, and Rick Davis, Democrat.The county commissioner race will feature the incumbent Republican, Walt Stowe, against Democrat Trsi B. Houpt. In the Garfield County sheriff’s race, candidates Lou Vallario, Republican, and incumbent Tom Dalessandri, Democrat, will participate.Garfield County Treasurer candidates Republican Cheryl Chandler and Democrat Georgia Chamberlain are scheduled to attend. The Garfield County assessor position is uncontested, but Republican Shannon Hurst will participate.The night also will feature a discussion on the ballot issue regarding the possible elimination of term limits in the Re-1 School District. The 17th annual Issues & Answers taping will be rebroadcast on Channel 12 at various times leading up to the elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5.Co-sponsors of the 2002 Issues & Answers night are the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, AT&T Cable Services, KMTS radio and Valley Community Television. State Farm Insurance agents in the valley will provide refreshments for the event.