SIDNEY -- Sidney High School hosted a forum for candidates in the May 14 Primary Election.

The event was introduced by Sidney Mayor Brad Sherman.

"We had to pick the date, May 1st, to get it okay-ed with the school so we could have it in this nice auditorium. We invited all of the candidates. Unfortunately, not all could make it," Sherman said in his welcome address.

Candidates who attended include Randy Miller, Cheyenne County commissioner candidate; and city council candidates Burke Radcliffe, Justin Christensen and Rob Kuhns. Each candidate was given three minutes to answer questions written by Sidney High School seniors. 

The first question asked is "Why would you be a good city council (county commission regarding Miller) member?"

Radcliffe referred to his six years on the council, and his desire to serve the community.

"I've been doing this for six years now. I served a two-year term back in 2018 when someone was getting off the council and they asked me to do it. I ran for re-election and got a four-year term, so I've done this for six years. I like to think I have some common sense and financial acumen I bring to the position. I view it as a way to serve my community. I view it as a way to serve my community," he said.

Christensen then offered his answer why he would be a good city council candidate.

"Being born and raised in Sidney I've seen the successes as well as the failures that have happened in our community in the last 39 years. The successes definitely outweigh the shortcomings that we have as a community, and we don't have many. Similar to Burke, I do have business acumen, and financial backgrounds; maybe not to the extent that he does, but enough to have some critical thinking, be able to challenge the status quo," Christensen said.

He also cited his experience in leading different organizations in the community.

In answering the same question, Kuhns said his experience within the City would serve as an asset.

"I feel that my experience with the City on the other side of the council, working ... I know the budgets inside and out after 23 years working with them. I've been here through the ups and the downs; been a part of a lot of the ups and downs with the City. With the knowledge I have of that, and some of my other financial knowledge, with the budgets, I believe I would make a good one, basically being on both sides of the coin," he said.

County Commissioner candidate Randy Miller cited his time in the county as an asset.

"The best thing about my experience is that I grew up in the county. I grew up out on the farm. I travel the roads on a daily basis. That helps me extremely to see what's going on in the entire county. I've been a county commissioner now for seven years. It's got me great experience in the budget, well-versed in the budget. I've worked a long time with the budget on the fire department," Miller said.

He added he was also active with the budget when serving on the Sidney school board. He also said his major is in finance. 

Candidates were also asked about fiscal responsibility regarding their respective boards, and of funding the new aquatic center near Sidney Regional Medical Center.