Final forum featuring commission candidates

The final of three Decatur candidate forums featuring remarks from four commission candidates is 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Church at Decatur Heights, 735 Sycamore Drive, Decatur.

Newcomers Timothy Martin, Kelly Walsh, Melissa Manrow and Betty Blondeau are running for the seat being vacated by Mayor Pro Tem Fred Boykin, a commissioner since 2000. Patti Garrett, now in her eighth year (the last two as mayor) is unopposed and won’t appear Thursday.

Subjects for discussion include potential annexation, ongoing development, updating of the city’s transportation plan, doubling of the school system’s enrollment over the past decade, and the evolving relationship between commissioners and the city’s school board.

Although three school board seats are up for election, only Heather Tell qualified for the District 2A seat vacated by Bernadette Seals. Tell, who automatically wins the seat, also won’t appear.