Political forum Tuesday night

OAKWOOD - Plans are being finalized for Tuesday night's political forum at Gainesville College.

The session will feature candidates in contested races for the State Senate, State House, Hall County school board, and Hall County commission.

Candidates invited to appear include District 47 State Senate candidates Robert Banks (D) and Ralph Hudgens (R). Both, however, have said they will be unable to attend because of prior commitments.

Candidates who are expected to appear are State Senate District 49 incumbent Casey Cagle (R) and Suellen Simmons (D); State Senate District 50 incumbent Carol Jackson (D) and John Callaham (R); Georgia House District 21 candidates Tim Hoyt (D) and Stacey Reece (R); Hall County Board of Education Post 1 incumbent Doug Calvert (R) and Dwayne Carpenter (D); Hall County Board of Commission Post 1 incumbent Brenda Branch (D) and Deborah Lynn (R); and, Hall County Board of Commission Post 3 hopefuls Ken Barrett (D) and Steve Gailey (R).

The forum, at the Continuing Education Building at Gainesville College, begins with a one-hour "meet the candidates" at 6:00, followed by the question-and-answer session at 7:00.