Candidate forum for Sumter and state government offices open to public Oct. 20

Social Justice Consortium and the Divine Nine will host a candidate forum on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Westend Community Church, 101 S. Salem St. This event is free and open to the public.

Candidates running for state House of Representatives, Sumter County Council, Sumter City Council, Sumter County probate judge, Third Circuit solicitor, mayor of Pinewood and Soil and Water District Commission are included.

According to Social Justice Consortium of the Upper Midlands President Chuck Wilson, representation from the gubernatorial campaigns is also expected.

Moderators for the forum will be Melissa McCoy, editor of The Manning Times, Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments Executive Director Dennis Cyphers and former Sen. Thomas McElveen. Light refreshments and a brief meet and greet will follow.

"This will be an awesome opportunity to get your concerns answered," Wilson said.

For more information, email Wilson at Hrmhcw@yahoo.com.