CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Voters have an opportunity to meet the candidates on the Bradley County ballot Thursday night at a candidates forum.

The forum is organized by the Cleveland Lions Club. Attorney James F. Logan will be the moderator.

The forum is for candidates in contested elections, including the 10th District Circuit Court Judge race. Ginger Wilson Buchanan was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to fill the vacancy created when John Hagler resigned last year. Mrs. Buchanan, a Democrat, is facing Republican Mike Sharp.

“This is a very important election,” said Bradley County Election Commission Chairwoman Mary Francis Armstrong. The district includes Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties.

County and city races include the Bradley County and Cleveland school boards and several seats on the Cleveland City Council. Some are contested and some incumbents are unopposed.

The Lions Club, a nonpartisan civic organization, is providing the forum as a public service, Mr. Logan said.

The Cleveland Media Association, whose members include local press, public relations professionals and students, were solicited for questions. Questions will be asked from the audience as well.

Mr. Logan said in a news release that the Lions Club hopes to help voters become more informed. He said the school board and council race “are critically important to the services that are provided to our community and to our future generations,” and noted that the Circuit Court judge will serve for six years.

Charter Communications has advised the club it plans to broadcast a video of the forum. At least one radio station has plans for a live broadcast, too.

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