The community group Time to Talk has scheduled a forum next week for Salisbury City Council candidates.

The forum will be Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at East Square Artworks, 120 E. Innes St. It is open to the public.

Time to Talk member Nan Lund said 12 of the 16 city council candidates have confirmed participation in the event. Incumbent Karen Alexander said she wouldn’t be able to attend, Lund said. The group hasn’t been able to get in touch with challengers Stephen Arthur, Troy Russell and Jeff Watkins.

Lund said each candidate would get a one-minute opening statement. Candidates will all be asked the same two questions. Two and half minutes will be allotted for candidates’ answers to individual questions. One minute will be allowed for each candidate to give a closing statement, Lund said.

She said the exact questions and the topics won’t be disclosed until the day of the candidate forum.

Time to Talk organized the forum because the group is made up of citizens who are “deeply concerned about the city” and want to make sure issues are addressed during the City Council campaign, Lund said.

A second Salisbury City Council candidate forum will be held at Catawba College

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246