Continuing an annual tradition, The Newtown Bee is again planning to host a Candidates Forum, October 20, from 7 to 9 pm, in the Edmond Town Hall Theatre. This year, the forum will introduce the local slate of candidates for the Board of Finance.

Four veteran finance board members, Chairman John Kortze, Vice Chairman Joseph Kearney, Michael Portnoy, and Harrison Waterbury, have all decided to not seek reelection.

Local Democrats have nominated incumbent Jim Filan, along with Aaron Carlson, Kelly Johnson, and current selectman and former finance board vice chair James Gaston for open seats, while the GOP has nominated incumbent John Godin, and newcomers David Ruhs, Mark Boland, and Sandy Roussas for the November 3 ballot.

The event will include an informal meet and greet in the Town Hall lobby from 7 to 7:30, with the forum commencing at 7:30 on the main stage. The event is free and residents are encouraged to attend.

In years past, Newtown Bee pre-election forums have been filmed and rebroadcast of the local public access cable television network.

Editor Curtiss Clark will act as moderator, and the forum will be produced by Associate Editor John Voket. Residents are also invited to submit questions for consideration.

Anyone wishing to submit questions for finance board candidates may deliver them in person or mail them to the newspaper’s offices at 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470. Questions may be submitted via e-mail as well, to editor@thebee.com — please note in the subject line “Questions For Candidates Forum.”

Since neither the first selectman nor Board of Selectmen races have contested seats, it was determined that the exodus of veteran members of the Board of Finance warranted creating an opportunity for voters and residents to meet and hear from both the remaining incumbents as well as new contenders about their positions on various town financial practices and policies.

No tickets or reservations are required in advance. Any questions should be directed to Mr Voket at 203-426-3141 or john@thebee.com.