Piedmont Mayor Brian Young has arranged a meet and greet to allow the candidates of Alabama House Seat 40 to address residents.

The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 in the Council Chambers. Each candidate will be allowed up to 10 minutes to speak. Questions from citizens will not be allowed, but each candidate will be encouraged to answer questions from one another after each has spoken.

Currently the five Republican candidates vying for the vacant seat are K.L. Brown, Jay Dill, Debra Jones, Bill Lester and Tom Shelton. Rickey Whaley is the only Democrat in the race and Jacksonville resident Carol Hagen is attempting to run as an independent.

The primary elections for Seat 40 will be held on Jan. 5, with a runoff to be held Feb. 16.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the forum and hear the candidates speak.

Former State Representative Lea Fite worked hard for the area, helping to secure funds for the building of the new Career Tech Center and Community Storm Shelters. Selecting his replacement will be an important upcoming task for area residents.