Public safety building among the issues for Gearhart candidates at forum

SEASIDE — A new public safety building and the comprehensive plan were among the topics at a candidates’ forum Tuesday night for the Gearhart City Council in the November election.

In the mayoral race, Mayor Kerry Smith is facing a challenge from developer Robert Morey. City Councilor Sharon Kloepfer and former Clatsop County Commissioner Patricia Roberts are vying for Position 4. Former Mayor Paulina Cockrum and artist David Savinar, who was not present at the forum, are competing to succeed City Councilor Reita Fackerell in Position 2.