Retired judge John M. Cleland will be the featured speaker when a “People for Kamala,” a non-partisan group, meets to help elect Kamala Harris the president of the United States.

The event, slated for 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, will be held at the Lewis Run Firehall.

Everyone — Democrat, Republican, non-partisan, Green, male and female — is invited to attend.

While the event will also feature two Democratic candidates on the fall ballot, the aim of the gathering is to bring disparate people together to talk, debate, and discuss our common interest in the future of our country.

Cleland, a Kane native, has had a storied career on the bench, starting as a federal judicial clerk in Pittsburgh. He returned to Kane in 1974 to practice law and was nominated by Gov. Dick Thornburgh to fill the vacancy as McKean County President judge in 1984 following the death of Richard Brandow.

He was elected to the post three times before being appointed to the Superior Court in 2008, where he served until  2011. After taking senior judicial status, Cleland was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court  to handle a number of high-profile matters.

Now retired from judicial status, he is practicing law, limited to mediations, with Woods, Baker & Ross in Kane.

Also speaking will be Tracee Howell, associate professor of English at Pitt-Bradford, who has made a study of Project 2025, the controversial blueprint for a Trump presidency. Motivated by the plan’s call for the elimination of the Department of Education, she made a deep dive into its 900 pages and discovered serious issues it raises for our democracy.

The event will also feature Rajeev Pradhan of Port Allegany, the Democratic nominee challenging state Rep. Marty Causer, R-67.

Pradhan, who grew up in Bradford, holds a bachelor’s degree in radiological science from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He holds two master’s degrees in management and health administration from New England College, Henniker, N.H.

He is an imaging technologist at UPMC Cole in Coudersport and also serves as the organization’s picture archiving and communication system administrator.

Pradhan resides in Port Allegany, and is vice chairman of the McKean County Democratic committee.

Also on the dais will be Bill McGill of Clinton County, who is running against state Sen. Chris Dush, 25th District. McGill, semi-retired from the automobile business, has been heavily involved in community opportunities including youth baseball, Jaycees and Boy Scouting.

Harris yard signs will be available at the event. Merchandise can be purchased. Snacks and beverages will be provided.