The Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League will host a mayoral candidate forum from 5 to 7 p.m. March 22 at the Red Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library.
Columbus Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon and former state representative Milo Smith are seeking the Republican nomination for mayor of Columbus. Incumbent Mayor Jim Lienhoop, also a Republican, is not seeking a third term and has endorsed Ferdon.
Mary Beth Clauss, league president, said they hope to boost voter turnout for the primary.
“We really would like people to come out and learn who they are, both the candidates, and make an informed decision in the primary,” she said.
The event is not intended to be a debate. The master of ceremonies will pose questions to the candidates, who will address the audience rather than each other as they respond.
There will also be a time for attendees to meet and greet with Smith and Ferdon before and after the forum.
The primary will be May 2. The only contested races for the city election are the Republican nomination for Columbus mayor and the Democratic nomination for City Council District 3.
Former Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, who is a Republican, has withdrawn his mayoral candidacy, as has Democrat Sean Webster.
While there is currently no Democratic candidate for mayor, the party could still select a candidate for the general election; the deadline to do so is July 3 at noon.
