The Bulloch County Republican Party, along with the Statesboro Herald, will host a forum for Republican candidates for Bulloch County Board of Commissioners seats Thursday, May 3, at Ogeechee Technical College.

Held in the Joe Kennedy Auditorium at 7 p.m., the forum will give voters a chance to learn more about the Republican candidates, as well as give the candidates the opportunity to address issues of concern.

Bulloch County Republican Party Chairman Reid Derr will moderate the event.

"This forum will help candidates present themselves positively and personably to voters," he said. "And it gives people a sense of who they would like to represent them."

Candidates participating are incumbent Walter Gibson, Travis Chance and Sid Jones for commission Seat 2B, and Jeff Klare and Timmy Rushing for commission Seat 2D.

The forum is for Republican candidates only. Democratic candidates are unopposed prior to the general election in November.

After the primary election May 22, Democrat Adrienne Dobbs will oppose the Republican winner of Seat 2B and Democrat Carlos Brown will oppose the Republican winner of Seat 2D when the general election is held in November.

W. Scott Brannen, Republican challenger for commission Seat 1B, currently held by Democrat Anthony Simmons, will not be at the Republican forum, as he is unopposed as a Republican in the primary.

During the event, candidates will be given two minutes each to introduce themselves. Then, Derr will ask a series of questions relating to their candidacy and issues facing the county commission and the county, alternating in order of who answers a question first. Candidates will have up to two minutes to respond to each question and will be given two minutes each to make a closing statement.

Questions will come from the Statesboro Herald and from members of the audience, who will be given the chance submit written questions on file cards.

The public is "encouraged to come and take the opportunity to submit questions," Derr said.

Also, they will be able to meet candidates and talk before and after the forum.

Candidates will be allowed to set up tables with campaign materials before the forum. Tables are to be set up by 6:30 p.m.

The event is expected to end by 9 p.m.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.