MORRISVILLE - The nine candidates vying for four seats on the Town Council will square off Thursday during a candidate forum sponsored by the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce.

The forum will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive.

"As the town of Morrisville approaches the Town Council elections on Nov. 2, it is important to know where our current and future political leaders stand on issues that impact our community," Sharon Rosche, president of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. "We are pleased to be able to help facilitate an avenue for the community to hear the candidates in person."

Incumbent Jan Faulkner is seeking to retain the mayor's seat but faces a challenge from former councilwoman Jackie Holcombe.

Lydia Martin and Michael Roberts are seeking to unseat incumbent Thomas Murry for an at-large seat on the Town Council.

Mark Stohlman, the incumbent in District 2, faces a challenge from Stephen Diehl.

And in District 4, Creighton Blackwell will go head-to-head with former councilwoman and mayor Margaret Broadwell.

Growth, traffic and fiscal responsibility are among the issues candidates have said are of greatest concern to them this election season. In earlier interviews, candidates expressed particular interest in reducing town expenditures to stave off tax increases and alleviating congestion on major thoroughfares such as N.C. 54.

The forum, which will be moderated by Marian Lewin of the League of Women Voters of Wake County, is free. But seating is limited. For more information, contact Rosche at 919-463-7150 or srosche@morrisvillenc.com.