NORWICH — With the November 2 election fast approaching, candidates are preparing by participating in a forum on Sunday, October 17, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Norwich American Legion Hall located at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich.

"My feeling is that this is both a candidates' and members of the community venue, and an opportunity to meet collectively to kind of share ideas and concerns, and other items of interest in a way that can be informative and educational prior to an election," said forum co-organizer Matthew Caldwell.

Expected to attend the forum are Mayoral candidates John Quattrocchi and Brian Doliver, Ward 2 Alderman candidates Fred Gee and Thomas Cornelia, Ward 4 Alderman candidate Linda Kays-Biviano, Ward 6 Alderman candidate Robert D. Jeffrey, City Supervisor candidate Jim McNeil, Sheriff candidates Debra Cubbedge and Ernest Cutting, and County Clerk Candidates Bill Smith and Brian Wessels.

Residents can expect to meet the candidates, ask questions, and discuss concerns. Forum co-organizer Karol Kucinski said the event is meant to be an educational experience for voters, and will allow them to make an informed decision come election day.

“This is one of the ways we think that people can have a place where they can question the candidates, they can get answers to the things they’re concerned about, and therefore make a better, or more informed, choice,” said Kucinski.

For contested elections, the two candidates will be allotted 15 minutes each to introduce themselves and discuss their policies. Then, an additional 15 minutes will be given for voters to ask questions.

"Give them 15 or so minutes to talk about what they want to do ... Introduce themselves, this is my background, these are my programs, what you want to vote for me for, and you know, have one candidate do it and then have another candidate do it," said Kucinski. "And then the last 15 minutes for questions from the audience."

The current schedule for candidates in contested elections to address voters is as follows: Ward 2 Alderman candidates, County Clerk candidates, Mayoral candidates, and candidates for Chenango County Sheriff.

Candidates who are not running in contested elections will be set up at tables in the hall to visit with voters and answer questions.

"We really want this to be an educational opportunity for everybody, and for everybody to feel welcome and comfortable," said Caldwell. "We're looking forward to it."