Former Calloway County Judge Larry Elkins is the GOP candidate for KY House.

MURRAY, Ky. -- Town & Gown at Murray State University is partnering with the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce to host a political forum Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium.

The Meet the Candidates forum is an opportunity for community members to meet with candidates for several local and regional races, including mayoral candidates, Bob Rogers and Ed Davis for the city of Murray, Calloway County judge executive candidates Kenny Imes and James Gallimore and state representative candidates David Ramey and Larry Elkins for District 5.

"This collaboration with the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce is an excellent opportunity to provide a way for the community to hear from local candidates so that they can make an informed decision on election day," said Carol Brunn, Town & Gown coordinator. "These types of collaborative partnerships allow us to fulfill part of the mission of Town & Gown."

Meet the Candidates begins with a reception and meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. The forum will then take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates in attendance. Meet the Candidates is free for all to attend.

"Our overall goal for this event was twofold: first is to assist candidates in their efforts to communicate their views to area residents prior to the November general election," said Michelle Bundren, president and CEO of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce, "and second is to provide an opportunity to educate community members on the candidates' views on key issues of importance."

The mission of the Murray State University Town & Gown Partnership Program is to enhance the quality of living and learning in the community and to foster improved communication between the University and local citizens. The partnership also facilitates the discussion of community concerns, invests in collaborative partnerships and organizes educational events that promote the history, culture and commerce of the region.

For more information about Meet the Candidates or to become involved with Town & Gown, please contact Carol Brunn at 270-809-3023 or cbrunn@murraystate.edu.