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Last week, nine local candidates for the positions of State Senate, State House of Representatives and the LaGrange City Council participated in a forum organized by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce.

We were happy to play a role in the forum, as we streamed it on our Facebook page. For anyone who missed the forum, the video remains on our Facebook page and website. 

We applaud the candidates who participated. In the Senate District 29 race, incumbent Republican Randy Robertson and Democratic challenger Ellen Wright had a chance to share their opinions on issues facing the state, the nation and our community. 

In the House of Representatives District 137 race, incumbent Democrat Debbie Buckner and Republican challenger Justin Rickett had a chance to introduce themselves to voters who might not know as much about them. (Bucker’s district was changed in the redistricting, so she is hoping to be elected in a new looking district.)

The city council forum, probably the most anticipated of the evening, included five candidates trying to fill the vacated seat of former commissioner LeGree McCamey. All five candidates had a chance to make their case — and to try to separate themselves — from the pack. 

All five candidates — Ashley Cousin, Leon Childs, Maiya Dowell, Quay Boddie and Israel Barsh — participated in the forum. 

People forget how difficult it can be to run for elected office. 

Candidates put themselves in the limelight, open themselves up to controversy and being put on the spot. 

When you get elected, suddenly you are supposed to be able to fix any problem. It just doesn’t work that way. 

However, that’s why we need brave citizens who are willing to step forward and represent us. All nine of these candidates should be proud, regardless of how their elections play out. 

We appreciate all of the work the chamber of commerce puts in to organize these events each time one is held in our community. We hope the forum gave voters the information they need to make informed decisions at the polls.