Sumter Item will stream city candidate forum Oct. 23

The Sumter Item will hold a candidate forum for two races in the City of Sumter.

A forum for the candidates running for Sumter City Council's Ward 4 will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, followed by a forum for candidates vying to be mayor at 6:45 p.m. Both forums will be streamed live on Facebook for the public to watch for free during and after the event.

Residents are encouraged to submit questions ahead of the forums for The Item's election team to review and incorporate into the topics discussed. A special question will also be asked that is submitted by a member or panel of people featured in The Item's Sumter's Next Generation series.

Email questions to editor@theitem.com by Friday, Oct. 18.

Both races will be decided on Nov. 5 unless a runoff is necessary. The candidates in the running for the city council seat are Scott Burkett, Jimmy Davis, Lynn Kennedy, Lucy Mahon and Gene Weston. Current Councilman Steve Corley is not seeking a third term. Candidates for mayor are T. Frank Adams II, Foxy Rae Campbell, Reggie Evans and incumbent Mayor David Merchant. Merchant is seeking his second term.