A forum for all candidates on the July 31 ballot is being hosted next week by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
There is no charge to attend this Political Candidates Forum that will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19 at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.
"We want the community to have a chance to see what the candidates have to say about issues," said Glenda Jones, director of programs and events for the Chamber. "Our organization does not endorse any candidate. We hold these forums as a public service."
All local candidates who qualified for the July 31 Primary Election have been invited to participate. These races include but are not limited to: county commissioner, sheriff, Georgia House of Representatives District 1, tax commissioner, probate judge, magistrate judge, Walker County School Board District 1 and district attorney.
Candidates taking part in the forum should register at 6 p.m. on the day of the event, Jones said.
Participating candidates will respond to uniform questions prepared by the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee.
"The candidates helped prepare the questions," forum moderator Lecia Eubanks said. "Each has been asked to submit questions about what they think is important in their particular race. The committee selected which [questions] will be asked."
So that they can prepare responses and have pertinent facts and figures at hand, the candidates will be given advance notice of what questions will be asked during the forum.
Each contender will be given an equal amount of time to answer questions posed by Eubanks. Following that, each will have an opportunity to rebut or challenge remarks made by their opponents, she said.
Jones said the Chamber intends for the evening to be one where the public can hear what candidates have to say about issues.
"The most common questions are 'Why are you running?' 'What will you do if elected?' and 'What is your vision for Walker County?'" she said.
Forum organizers said no campaigning will be allowed either outside or inside the Civic Forum on the day of the event, as the Chamber's official position regarding elections states:
"It is the policy of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce to remain neutral regarding political campaigns. The Chamber does not support/endorse individual candidates. Campaign materials (buttons, yard signs, stickers, brochures and etc.) are not allowed to be distributed or left at the Walker County Chamber of Commerce's offices or at any of our events."
The public will not be able to submit questions for consideration during the forum, but the candidates will be available for questions after the event ends, Eubanks said.