Burleson County Chamber of Commerce - Candidate Forum

Description

The Burleson County Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) does not endorse any candidates for public office or political parties. We conduct candidate forums in a fair and neutral manner. This event is free and open to all, including the public and the press.

Participating Candidates:
City of Caldwell – Mayor’s Race
• Brad Oliver
• John Rychlik

City of Caldwell City Council
• Thomas Trnka

Question Submission:
All questions must be submitted in advance through one of the following methods. The deadline to submit questions is Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by
12 PM:

1. Drop off your question at the Chamber office during office hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) at 207 W Mustang Street in Caldwell, the building next to the Co-op.

2. Submit your question online via our website at burlesoncountytx.com. On the homepage, scroll down to find information about the Candidate Forum and click the button to submit your question.

3. Email your questions to contact@burlesoncountytx.com.

Questions will be reviewed by a panel. If approved, they will be eligible for reading at the event. All questions will be placed in a bowl, and a volunteer from the audience will randomly select each question. We will address as many questions as possible; however, if yours is not asked, feel free to approach the candidate after the event to discuss your inquiry.

Forum Protocol
• Only moderators will pose questions to the candidates. An experienced 
moderator will facilitate the forum, clarify procedures for the audience, and 
introduce the candidates by their first and last names. When calling on candidates, the moderator will use their last names.

• If an invited candidate cannot attend or chooses not to participate in a 
scheduled event, the event will still proceed, even if only one candidate is present. No substitutes or stand-ins will be permitted for the candidates. In 
instances where one or more candidates are absent, the moderator will announce that all candidates were invited to take part and, without offering any editorial comment, will state that a candidate either did not respond or declined to participate.

• Time limits for all comments will be strictly enforced. Each candidate will have three minutes for opening remarks, two minutes to respond to each question, and three minutes for closing statements. A timer will display signs indicating when a speaker has 15 seconds left and when they must conclude. The speaking order will rotate randomly with each question.

• Audience members are requested not to demonstrate support for any 
candidate during the forum. To ensure fairness and provide each candidate with an equal opportunity to respond to questions, we kindly ask that audience members remain silent throughout the forum. Any individual who creates a distraction, disruption, or obstruction may be asked to leave the event.

• Candidates are allowed to bring hard copy notes to assist with key points. Note paper and pens will be provided for your use, and bottled water will also be available.