By J.R. TIDWELL

Editor

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce has canceled a political forum that was scheduled for May 29 at Senior Connection in Clanton.

An email to The Clanton Advertiser sent on behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors stated, “Initially, the Chamber of Commerce began hosting these forums because no other group promoted this type of event. In 2018, the candidate forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce would have been the fourth event of this type to be held during the past four weeks. During the campaign, candidates for local offices have also been afforded a number of opportunities to speak and answer questions at various events and gatherings throughout the county.”

The forum was set to include include local candidates from both political parties for the offices of representative of District 42, probate judge, sheriff, board of education and superintendent.

“Additionally, holding the forum on the day following Memorial Day and during a period in which schools were recessing for the summer would adversely affect attendance,” the information in the email continued. “Considering these factors, the board felt the best course of action would be to cancel the forum, keeping in mind that another event might be scheduled should a run-off be required or possibly prior to the general election.”

The event was set to be moderated by former district judge Rhonda Hardesty.

Hardesty did moderate a political forum for candidates held at Jemison City Hall on May 14.

Candidates for probate judge, the Chilton County Board of Education, sheriff, coroner and superintendent were allowed to come on stage to answer questions submitted by local citizens.

“It takes a lot of work to set up an event like this,” Hardesty said. “Thanks to the candidates for being here. My job is to make sure everyone is treated fairly.”

Every candidate was given two minutes to answer each question before being afforded an additional two-minute window to speak about his or her platform in general.