City mayoral and council candidates will take the stage tonight in the Michael Ross Room of the Trade and Transit II building, 144 W. Third St.

The political forum is being held by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and Backyard Broadcasting. It will be moderated by Jason Fink, president of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

Council candidates will be featured first, starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by mayoral candidates at 7:45 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

On the ballot for City Council are seven candidates: Democrats David Banks, Tiasha Machuga and Jon Mackey, and Republican incumbent Bonnie Katz and fellow Republicans Vincent Pulizzi, Adam Yoder and Bill Hall.

For Williamsport mayor, City Councilman Derek Slaughter, a Democrat, and Republican Eric Beiter are on the ballot.

Hoping to retain the position, incumbent Mayor Gabriel J. Campana is seeking a fourth term through a write-in campaign.

The events will feature introductory and closing statements, questions from a reporter panel and questions from the audience in attendance. Additionally, during the mayoral portion of the forum, the candidates will have an opportunity to ask one question each for both of their challengers to answer.

The debates will be broadcast live on Backyard Broadcasting radio station 107.9 WLMY FM. Full coverage will appear in subsequent editions of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.