ELBERTA — Elberta residents will have a chance to hear from council election candidates next week as the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce presents a political forum for the town.

The event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Elberta Town Hall.

“The purpose of the forum is to provide the citizens of Elberta an opportunity to meet mayoral and town council candidates for the upcoming elections.,” Watts said in a phone interview. “ Members of the community will have an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates. Attendees will be given index cards as they arrive and written questions will be turned in and reviewed by a panel for appropriateness of the question before being passed to the moderator for the question to be asked.”

She explained that questions can be faxed in advance to 943-6810.

“We’ll also have three people at the door,” Watts said. “They’ll be offering index cards when they (attendees) come in.”

Once questions are written on those cards, they will be presented to the panel, who will then scrutinize them for content.

“To make sure they don’t get into personal issues,” Watts explained. “They need to focus on the issues of the community.”

Moderating the forum will be former Alabama Senator and gubanatorial candidate Bradley Byrne.

“His role will be to help keep us fair and balanced,” Watts said.

In addition to the questions, which can be addressed generally or directed at particular candidates, each candidate will have the opportunity to make a brief opening and closing remark.

Watts explained that of the 14 candidates on the Elberta Town Council ballot, several have already committed to take part.

As previously reported, each seat on the council is in contention. Incumbent Mayor Marvin Williams is running against Steve Kirkpatrick. Alma I. Doege and Ernie Gabel are vying for Place 1. Randy Kurtts is running against incumbent Jim Hamby for Place 2. Place 3 is being sought by Michael Hudson and Michael Stockwell. For Place 4, voters will choose from Jason S. Alms, Gene Salzmann and Betty Wood. Incumbents and fellow council members Clark Cathey and Don Koontz Sr. will vie for Place 5, along with Chris Bourne.

With that in mind, Watts urges Elberta residents to attend Tuesday’s forum.

“We need to be formed when selecting our municipal officers,” she said.

For more information about Tuesday’s forum, call Watts at 943-5540.