UTM will serve as host on April 11, 2006, for an open forum featuring political candidates running in Weakley County for contested offices. The “Forum of the Future” will be held in Watkins Auditorium in the University Center at 7 p.m.

“Forum of the Future” is being sponsored by several local and student organizations including: the American Democracy Project, LEAD Academy, Student Government Association, and Weakley County WestStar alumni. All candidates running in the Weakley County May Primary election will have the opportunity during the forum to introduce themselves.

Candidates running in contested races will be the focus of the forum and will be given the opportunity to answer questions that will be submitted prior to the event. Each candidate will be given two to three minutes to answer the question and there will be no rebuttals. At the conclusion of the previously submitted questions, there will be time allotted for several questions from the audience.

“We decided to sponsor the “Forum of the Future” because we feel that it is very important for the students and the public to be educated on the people running for office,” said James Orr, SGA President.

Incumbent Ron Gifford, and challenger Houston Patrick, are running in the cntested race for county mayor. In the race for county trustee, incumbent, Donald Doster, will be facing challengers Patsy Mangum and Tony Prince.

The forum is open and free to the public. For more information, contact Steve Vantrease at stevev@utm.edu or 881-7755.