FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Mayor Lioneld Jordan was the only candidate running for Fayetteville mayor to show up at a forum on Thursday night (Oct. 20).
Earlier in the day candidates Tom Terminella and Ron Baucom announced in a joint press release that they would not be attending the event.
The release states that the candidates didn't think the forum would be the most effective way to deliver their respective messages. They said the forums are generally attended by small portion of potential voters, many of whom have already decided which candidate will receive their vote.
The candidates also said in the release that they believe face-to-face communication with citizens is a better option than the city council candidate forums. However, both said they would be willing to consider a debate or forum in which all the candidates helped plan the event location and format, so that it will be more accessible to Fayetteville citizens.
The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the chamber offices just off the square.
The event was supposed to be a moderated, open format, with each candidate giving an opening statement followed by questions from attendees.