With elections right around the corner, being informed is paramount to ensuring the right candidates get voted into public office. While figuring out which candidate is indeed the one to vote for can be difficult, The Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club is mak-ing it a little easier for some people to decide.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, The Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club presents Politics in the Park. The event is at Mazarick Park One, from 1–4 p.m. There are several fun activities on the agenda including a picnic, silent auc-tion and 50/50 raffle.

Linda McAlister, The Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club secretary, is looking forward to is the recognition of historical achievements by Republican women. She noted that women have had an influential role in American politics and have swayed the course of history yet go largely unnoticed for their efforts. She added that people may be surprised by what they will learn about the achievements of Republican women.

The main event of the day, though, is the meet ‘n greet.

“It is meant to introduce Fayetteville area citizens to Republican candidates at the state and local level,” said McAlister. “I think introducing candidates to people, networking with local citizens and the public having a chance to meet the candidates one on one makes such a difference. When you can meet some-one and look in their eyes — and not just hear sound bites — and hear why they believe a certain way and what has gotten them to that opinion and shake their hand, it makes a difference.”

Several candidates plan to attend, which McAlister says will benefit both the candidates, because they can connect with potential voters, and those in attendance at the event because it offers face time with the candidates.

Tony Gurly is scheduled to be there. He is running for lieutenanat gov-ernor. “He is pretty much a name that no one knows around here,” said McAlister. “This is a chance for people to meet him before they see his name on the ballot.”

Wayne King is not a candidate, but he is the Republican vice chairman for the state, and he will be there, too. “He is a 30-year-old gentleman who is such a grass-roots organizer,” said McAlister. King is visiting different counties in the state to unite the Republican voters and help with campaigns.

Ilario Pantano is tentatively planning to attend. McAlister describes him as a dynamic speaker, a veteran, an author and a financial guru who is sure to impress the crowd.

Local radio personality Dave Taylor is the emcee. He will introduce not only the state-level candidates, but also the local councilmen who are running. There are several people running for the very first time and they will be at the event, McAlister said. “It’s a great opportunity to reach out and get to know the people who may be making decisions for the city and state in the coming years,” she added.

It is events like these, says McAlister that give people an opportunity to become informed and help shape the government.

“You are not just relying on news, print coverage or sound bites,” she said. “This is what The Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club has done for me — it has made candidates accessible to me. I am thrilled with having met everyone who was running on the Republican ticket the last election cycle. We get so busy with the bubbles of our lives that we don’t meet the people who are making the decisions about our lives.”

Tickets are $15. Call 323-5369 or email mgkidd@aol.com for more information or to pur-chase a ticket.