The Dixon Theater in Poplarville will host a mayoral debate and forum Monday in preparation of the municipal election in May.
The debate will begin at 6 p.m. where the mayoral candidates in attendance will answer 10 questions chosen from a list of community submissions, organizer Mary McKay said.
As of Thursday afternoon, mayoral candidate Rossie Creel confirmed he will attend the event. Glenn Bolin did not respond to requests to confirm his attendance, but McKay said he is expected to attend.
Byron Wells declined to comment on whether he would attend, but said he had not received a formal invitation.
Peter Egan, Sr., the president of the Republican Executive Committee of St. Tammany Parish, will act as the moderator and ensure the forum focuses on community issues, McKay said.
Each candidate received a list of 20 questions, which have been narrowed down to 10 by the moderator, she said.
Topics will include annexation of areas into the city limits, the recent homeschool debate, hard alcohol sales, road maintenance and the city’s budget, McKay said.
The candidates will be asked three additional blind questions at the end of the debate, generated by the audience, she said.
Afterward, aldermen candidates in attendance will have three to five minutes to introduce themselves and talk about their platform, McKay said.
Desserts and refreshments will be served afterward.
Most of the candidates for alderman—Rochelle Holliday (R), Anne Gendusa Smith (R), incumbent Margaret Ann Smith (D), Tony Smith (R), Kevin L. Tillman, Sr. (D) and incumbent Shirley Wiltshire (D) —are expected to attend, McKay said. Heather Holliday said she would not be present due to a scheduling conflict.
“We just wanted to give the community a chance to meet their candidates on a neutral ground,” McKay said. “We’re not just a theater, but a community center.”
The primary election will be held May 2, which will likely determine the next mayor of Poplarville, unless a runoff is needed on May 16.
The general election will be held June 6.