BURLINGTON — Citizens came to the Lawrence County Senior Citizens Center at Sybene Thursday evening to hear what local candidates had to say about their platforms and their vision for the future of the county.

Each candidate was given four minutes to convince the audience why they should vote for him. Most spoke of their qualifications, commitment to the county and desire to make their communities a better place to live.

Those attending the event were Common Pleas Judge candidates Charles Cooper, John Kehoe and Kevin Waldo; Auditor candidates Republican Ray Dutey and Democrat Tanner Heaberlin, both of which are unopposed in the primary; and Robert Mayo, Republican candidate for county commissioner who is also unopposed.

Democrat candidate for commissioner Doug Malone was unable to attend but sent a letter explaining his positions.

A representative from the office Ohio House Speaker Pro Tem Chuck Blasdel, who is running for Congress in the 6th District was also on hand.

He will be facing Tim Ginter and Danny Harmon in the primary. Democrats in the race are State Sen. Charlie Wilson, Diane DiCarlo Murphy and Bob Carr.

The forum is an annual event sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Burlington.

Harriette Ramsey, the president of the citizens’ group, said the event has been held for many years. She said it gives local residents the chance to come face-to-face with candidates they may have never met before.

Board of Election Director Mary Wipert also gave a presentation on the new voting machines and South Point school officials were honored for their continued academic success, including Burlington Elementary being named a “School of Promise.”