The Covington News and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce have organized and will present a candidates’ forum from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Turner Lake Recreation Facility.

 "Not only is this an important national election year, but with the current state of the economy, it’s important that you understand what your local candidates have to say," said T. Pat Cavanaugh, general manager of The Covington News.

 Each of the 18 local candidates up for election will appear at the forum and be asked questions posed by The News and the chamber.

 "The questions that will be asked by moderators, Publisher of The News Charles Hill Morris and Chamber President John Boothby, will address the most pressing local issues that the new elected officials will have to deal with if elected to represent you," Cavanaugh said.

 Because of time restraints questions will not be taken from the audience.

 Each candidate will have the opportunity to introduce himself or herself for 30 seconds.

 Chairman, commissioner and sheriff candidates will be asked three questions and will have two minutes to respond to each question.

 Board of Education, tax commissioner, state representative and state senator candidates will be asked two questions and will have two minutes to respond to each question.

 Candidates will be notified by a signal when they have 10 seconds left in their response and will be promptly stopped by the moderator if they exceed the response time limit.

 Water and light refreshments will be provided, although the schedule does not allow for an intermission.

 The Newton County Farm Bureau is a supporting sponsor of the event.