[UPDATE] October 2, 2012 - 5:43pm

The candidates forum was hosted by the Leon-Wakulla Retired Educators Association. Therefore, it was no surprise that one of the main topics of concern was education.

Leon County resident Mary Spencer says she's seen some of them on television. But, she wanted to see and hear the election candidates firsthand.

She says, "I like to be educated so that I will make the right decision. When I see them in office and I voted for them, then I like to feel that I did make the right decision."

The Leon-Wakulla Retired Educators Association held a candidate forum Tuesday afternoon on the 3rd floor of the Envision Credit Union on North Monroe Street in Tallahassee to help local voters be informed.

The candidates included: Al Lawson and Steve Southerland for U.S. House, Bill Montford and John Shaw for Senate District 3, Halsey Beshears and Robert Hill for District 7, Alan Williams for District 8, and Bradley Maxwell and Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda for House District 9.

They had two minutes to tell who they were and give their platform before taking questions.

Beth Hickey, a retired Leon County teacher of 39 years was the first to stand up. She asked, "Many retired educators rely on the cost of living adjustment and health insurance subsidy to be financially independent. Can we count on your support in continuing those important programs."

The candidates answered, "yes."

Attendees also grilled candidates on the environment and Medicare and Social Security.

Larry Carmichael, the president of Leon-Wakulla Retired Educators Association, says, "There are many important issues coming up in this election. I don't know that there's been an election more important, in my opinion, in quiet a long time. So, it's a very critical election for the future.

For more information about the association and meetings, go to http://www.lwrea.com/.

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Leon County, FL - October 2, 2012

The Leon-Wakulla Retired Educators Association is hosting a forum.
It began at 2pm at Envision Credit Union on North Monroe Street in Tallahassee.

Nine candidates were invited to speak about themselves and their platforms. This gives residents the opportunity to be informed for the upcoming election.

Those in attendance have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions.

Candidates:
Al Lawson, U.S. House
Steve Southerland, U.S. House
Bill Montford, Senate District 3
John Shaw, Senate District 3
Halsey Beshears, District 7
Robert Hill, District 7
Alan Williams, District 8 (not present)
Bradley Maxwell, District 9
Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, House District 9

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