Political forum allows closer look
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Voters attending Thursday night&8217;s political forum at The American Village got a closer look at each candidate in at least two of the more prominent local offices up for election in the June primaries.
The forum, sponsored jointly by the Shelby County Reporter and the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, featured each of the three candidates qualified for superintendent of Shelby County Schools.
Republican candidates Tom Ferguson, Randy Fuller and Gary Minnick each gave a two-minute introductory speech followed by a brief question-and-answer segment.
&8220;I thought it was great that the candidates running for office saw the importance of getting in front of the people,&8221; said Stacy Walkup, event moderator and executive director of the South Shelby Chamber.
All three candidates who qualified in the race for Sheriff, Chris Curry, Charlie Loyd and Jim Walters were also on hand to answer a randomly drawn question from a previously provided list of potential questions.
The format was the same for each of the candidates representing seven countywide and state legislative offices.
&8220;Those attending the forum left with a better sense of the issues facing our county, a better understanding of where each candidate stood on those issues and how they, as a voter can make a difference on June 6,&8221; said Tim Prince, Reporter publisher.
The event was held at The Village barn in Montevallo.
&8220;The folks at The American Village were wonderful hosts and the location was perfect for this forum,&8221; Prince said. &8220;I can think of no better place to hold such an event&8221;
Primary elections are June 6 with the general elections taking place Nov. 7