Apr. 20—Greensburg Business and Professional Association is organizing its first ever candidates' forum for those running for mayor or council seats in the city.
According to the business group, all candidates for the city's open elected positions in the May 16 primary have been invited to participate in the public forum, which will be held at 6 p.m. April 26 on the second floor of the Stage Right building, 105 W. Fourth St., Greensburg.
The nonprofit group, also known as Shop Greensburg, said its intent is to allow those attending to learn about the candidates.
According to the association, the candidates will be asked to address "questions about the future of downtown Greensburg and the current affairs impacting the vitality of our shopping district" while hearing "the concerns of businesses as well as residents interested in growing our downtown."
"Our goal for the forum is to give our business owners and the public the opportunity to hear the candidates' insight and opinions on issues affecting them, furthering our mission of building good will within the community," said Amy Beeghly, association president.
The forum will be moderated by Paul Adams, associate professor of political science at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, and Michael Cary, professor of history and political science at Seton Hill University.
Listed candidates for Greensburg mayor on the Democratic ballot include incumbent Robert L. Bell and challenger Jerry Vernail. Republican candidates are Gerome Domenic Spino and Jonathan O'Brien.
Democratic candidates for two Greensburg council seats include Gabrielle D. Stewart and incumbents Randal M. Finfrock and Shelia M. Brumley. Republican Carrie Hamley also is running.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .