BURLINGTON - The Concerned Citizens of the Burlington Area were hard at work Thursday, making sure residents had a chance to "Meet the Candidate."

Many residents and those running for political office turned out for the event at the Lawrence County Multi-Purpose Senior Center. The forum included a four-minute speaking time per candidate, a question and answer period and a reception where people could socialize and donate to the Hurricane Katrina victims.

"I was very interested and concerned in the trustees because they do a lot of work for us," resident Darlene Green said. "I made my decision tonight about the Lawrence County school board, by their speaking."

Concerned Citizen Harriette Ramsey said she was most concerned about plans for a barge facility across the river in Huntington, W.Va.

Other residents also voiced their concern over the barge issue, which is a hot button topic in the South Point and Burlington areas, as residents are still awaiting a final decision on the matter.

The purpose of the meeting was to give the community a chance to see the candidates, learn a little bit about them and their stance on key issues. Only candidates that Burlington residents can vote for were invited to speak at the event.

The candidates who attended the meeting included Fayette Township Trustee candidates Gregory L. Chapman, Eric M. Maniskas, Mike Finley and Perry Brock. In the race for South Point School Board, Dale West, John F. Sherman and Fred Clay attended. In the race for the Lawrence County Educational Service Center, Ray Malone, Shannon Neal and Kenny Shafer attended.