The LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce’s Public Policy Division will present five informational and candidate forums in an effort to inform local voters prior to the July 31 election. “Earlier this year, we conducted a public policy survey,” noted Perrin Alford, Legislative Committee Chair. “Almost 40% of our members requested more information about the upcoming T-SPLOST referendum and about those running for local and state office.” The first forum will be on Thursday, June 21, featuring Jason Rourke from Connect Georgia and Robert Hiett of the Three Rivers Commission. They will discuss T-SPLOST, a referendum that would add 1% transportation tax if approved by the voters. The panelists will discuss the overall transportation initiative, specific Troup County projects, and the impact of the 1% sales tax on the average voter. Four additional forums are offered to allow voters to get to know candidates and their positions. The schedule is as follows: July 10: Georgia House of Representatives & Superior Court Judge Candidates July 12: County Commissioner & Tax Commissioner Candidates July 17: Board of Education Candidates July 19: Sheriff, Probate Judge & Solicitor General Candidates All sessions will be held at the Callaway Conference Center of West Georgia Technical College at 220 Fort Drive at 6 pm. The general public is invited to attend and participate. Questions may be submitted in advance via email to pestes@lagrangechamber.com or via fax to 706.882.8012. If time allows, audience members will be able to ask additional questions. “I encourage as many Troup County voters as possible to attend these forums,” stated Alford. “The more informed the voter, the better decisions we can make at the polls on July 31.”