The 2016 Newtown Bee Candidates Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, from 7:30 to 9 pm, in the Edmond Town Hall Theatre, will depart will depart from the moderated question and answer format that has occurred in previous years, to a town hall-style event.

This year, The Newtown Bee will invite resident constituents on stage with the candidates, asking their own questions in a somewhat less formal dialog format.

Residents who are interested in taking part  are asked to contact Editor Nancy Crevier by e-mail at editor@thebee.com,  and to include a phone number, as well as one or two draft questions.

Please include the phrase "2016 Candidates Forum" in the subject line. Residents may also physically drop off or mail, via US Postal Service, a note of interest, along with one or twosample questions to Ms Crevier c/o The Newtown Bee, 45 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.

Preliminary plans are to feature the candidates for the 106th District, which encompasses most of Newtown. Incumbent Republican Representative Mitch Bolinsky and Democratic challenger Eva Zimmerman have both agreed to participate.

Any petitioning or minor party candidate who may seek a position on the 106th District ballot will be invited as well. According to Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia-Halstead, September 7 is the cutoff date for petitioning and minor party candidates to qualify for a ballot slot.

Candidates for the Second and/or 112th Legislative District, and 28th Senate Districtmay be included. Each of those legislative districts overlay small sections in the far southern and western neighborhoods, and Newtown is among several communities in the 28th Senate District.

A list of nominees from the Secretary of the State's Office indicates that 112th District Republican incumbent JP Sredzinski is running for reelection unopposed. Former Second District Rep Dan Carter is not seeking reelection in favor of running against Senator Richard Blumenthal for the US Senate.

Bethel resident and Democrat Raghib Allie-Brennan is challenging fellow Bethel resident and Republican William Duff for the vacant Second District seat. Incumbent 28th District Republican Senator Tony Hwang is being challenged by Fairfield resident Philip Dwyer.

Residents interested in attending as general audience members are encouraged to save the date. There is no admission. A  meet-and-greet session with the candidates will take place prior to the event,  at 7 pm.

The forum is being hosted as a community service by The Newtown Bee.