Recent political forums, including Monday night's at the American Legion in Austin, have provided excellent insight into not only the candidates that are running for those respective offices, but they also have

brought up issues that many in the community are wanting to know about.

Fund reserve balances. Public safety. Economic development.

Because of public discussion on those issues, it will help hold these candidates to task when it comes time.

We encourage those who want to ask questions to do so by phone tonight and Wednesday night, when the Austin chapter of the League of Women Voters hosts its annual debate for local candidates. We're hoping that through these queries, it will make it clear to local voters how candidates feel on certain issues. As a result, voters win because they'll make an informed choice at the polling place in one week.