By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Local voters looking to make more informed decisions during their cities’ Aug. 23 elections will have a chance to do so over the next few weeks, as candidates are set to share their views during a series of upcoming public forums.

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and Shelby County Newspapers to host the municipal candidate forums.

Many Shelby County cities have heavily contested city council and mayoral races scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23, and the forums are intended to allow voters to learn more about the candidates who will appear on the ballots.

“The purpose of these forums is to provide an opportunity for citizens and business people in these communities to meet and gather information from the candidates running for city council and mayor in these races, and ultimately make an informed decision prior to August 23,” said GSCCC President and Chief Executive Officer Kirk Mancer.

The forums will kick off on Aug. 11 in Westover and Chelsea, and will wrap up on Aug. 17 in Montevallo.

During the forums, city council and mayoral candidates will have a chance to provide statements outlining their goals. The candidates also will be asked questions by a moderator in rotating order, and will have a limited amount of time to respond.

“With these municipal elections quickly approaching, it’s important for voters in these communities to make the most of their right to vote,” Mancer said. “We’re pleased to collaborate with our partners at the Montevallo and South Shelby chambers in hosting this series of candidates’ forums. These forums will allow voters to meet the candidates, as well as learn how the issues shaping each race will affect them and their cities.”

The following forums will be held on the following nights:

 

-Westover (Mayoral candidates only)

Thursday, Aug. 11

6:15-7:30 p.m. at the ServPro Training Center at 11063 U.S. 280

 

-Chelsea (Hosted by the Chelsea Business Alliance)

Thursday, Aug. 11

7 p.m. at Chelsea High School at 10510 Shelby County 11

 

-Alabaster

Monday, Aug. 15

6-8 p.m. at Alabaster City Hall at 1953 Municipal Way

 

-Pelham

Tuesday, Aug. 16

6-8 p.m. in the Pelham High School auditorium at 2500 Panther Circle

 

-Montevallo

Wednesday, Aug. 17

6-8 p.m. at Montevallo City Hall at 541 Main St.