The four candidates seeking seats on the Escalon City Council in the Nov. 5 election are scheduled to take part in a candidate forum on Monday evening, Oct. 14. The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center. Serving as moderator will be Jeff Laugero, assisted by Miss Escalon Katherine Romero.

Timekeepers for the event will be members of the Miss Escalon Court. The Times is hosting the event with the city providing the venue.

Incumbent candidates seeking re-election are David Bellinger and Shawn Strohman; challengers are Jeff Kay and Gabriella Vargas. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the election will win the four-year terms on the council.

Pre-prepared questions will be asked by the moderators.

Candidates will receive questions in sequential order, with the order of candidates randomly selected. Each candidate will answer each question. There are a total of eight questions and a closing statement.

Candidates will be provided two rebuttal/response cards to use as desired throughout the forum. Rebuttal/responses are an opportunity to share a counterpoint to a provided answer by another candidate.

Those planning to attend the forum are asked to not wear partisan or candidate clothing or merchandise.

Disparaging other candidates or past elected officials is strongly discouraged, and will be regulated by the moderator, including potentially time lost on the current or future answer. The intent of the forum is to hear from the candidates, about their ideas/vision and any actionable steps they may take to achieve that vision.