When the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce hosts its candidates forum early next month one position will likely be left off the agenda: county auditor.

When organizers set the slate they included the representative, senate and county commission races because these are important decision-making positions at a national, state and local level.

However, county auditor has been left off the agenda — in large part because it is viewed as an administrative position.

While that is correct and this race is not typically included in these types of forums, we hope chamber reevaluates that this year.

The county auditor position is among the highest paid county jobs and is also perceived by many to be among the most powerful seats someone can hold locally.

Overall, the county commissioners are tasked with managing the money. The auditor’s office is ultimately the one that has a day-to-day handle on the county finances.

With both the candidates being sitting officeholders — County Commissioner Jason Stephens and Lawrence County Treasurer Stephen Dale Burcham — voters can look at both men’s public service record to see how they would fill the auditor post.

There are many pertinent questions that could be asked prior to Nov. 2.

Not giving voters the chance to hear what these individuals have say is a mistake — but one that could still be corrected.