In August, The Newtown Bee began soliciting participation for an October 18 political forum sponsored by the paper, which for many years has been an annual event. Introducing local politicians to the public in the intimate atmosphere of Edmond Town Hall Theatre has benefited townspeople, as well as candidates for various town and state positions.The Newtown Bee will not put forth an effort next year. Without the distraction of a grueling presidential election, we are certain a stronger response will be forthcoming.

Past forums hosted by the paper have been in the format of a moderator presenting questions to the candidates to be answered in timed responses. The questions were generated by the public; at least, that was always the intention, though at times the paper had to produce additional questions to flesh out the 90-minute event.

This year, we had hoped to create an even more personal level of presentation, inviting members of the public to pose their vetted questions to candidates in a town hall-style setting. Several candidates were excited to take part: our current State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (106th District) and his challenger Eva Zimmerman; State Senator Tony Hwang (District 28) and his challenger Philip Dwyer; and Second District candidates Raghib Allie-Brennan and William Duff.

Regrettably, Newtown residents did not show the same level of excitement. Only four citizens responded to our invitation, issued in print, in person, and through various social media sites. One person expressing interest then declined, leaving us with only three people wishing to take part in the forum.

We came to the conclusion, last week, that rather than subject candidates to a possible poor audience turnout, as participation response indicated, to cancel the October 18 Newtown Bee Political Forum. It is disappointing; we had hoped to engage at least eight residents to present questions to people whose decisions will have great impact on everyone's lives in this state and community. Busy lives; a date in conflict with other obligations; reluctance to voice questions publicly; a desire for more anonymity than this format offered - all are possibilities contributing to this year's low level of interest, and which will be taken into consideration in planning future forums. We hope that, in lieu of the forum, past and planned profiles of candidates in this paper will serve as a reference as people make decisions in the voting booth later this fall. We urge residents to take advantage, as well, of opportunities to meet candidates at the local events that the politicians attend.

We trust that political fatigue created by an exhaustive national campaign will not reflect in voters staying away from the polls this fall. Voting is a right that determines the direction we go on the local, as well as national and worldwide, level.

One poor response to a local forum does not mean that Newtown residents are lackluster about politics. Nor does one poor response mean that

See you at next year's Newtown Bee Political Forum - and at the voting sites on November 8.