Candidates seeking office in Story County will share their views with the community at a forum Monday.

Candidates for sheriff, county supervisor and county auditor will speak and answer questions.

The candidates for sheriff are incumbent Paul Fitzgerald, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Terry Stark. County supervisor Wayne Clinton is running unopposed for re-election. County auditor candidates are incumbent Mary Mosiman, a Republican, and Democrat Jim Hutter, associate professor of political science.

Kori Heuss, membership and program manager of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, said after each candidate gives a one-minute introduction, a panel will ask questions for the first half of the forum.

The panel will consist of representatives from the League of Women Voters of Ames, the Ames Chamber of Commerce and a media representative.

“We want a broad base of topics to be covered,” Heuss said. “The second half of the forum we open up to audience questions.”

Audience members both at the forum and watching on television will be able to ask the candidates questions, she said. It will be broadcast live on channel 12.

Because the invited candidates are running for different positions, candidates will only answer questions relevant to their intended office.

“The moderator will say who can answer what questions,” Heuss said.

Ruth Jones, who handles voter services for the League of Women Voters of Ames, said forums that introduce voters to candidates are important.

“People need to be informed before they vote,” she said. “Democracy is a responsibility everyone should exercise.”

Heuss said the purpose of the forum is to introduce candidates to the public.

“[As voters], we want to pick people who represent our values,” she said. “Any citizen should feel like they have the resources they need to know what candidate to choose.”

Although Heuss does not expect high attendance, she said the close race for sheriff could encourage more voters to attend.

“You’ve got two great candidates who might have some differences in their views,” she said. “People who care will show up in the audience.”

The close race could make the forum very interesting, Heuss said.

The forum, held by the League of Women Voters of Ames and the Ames Chamber of Commerce, will be at 7 p.m. Monday in the council chambers at Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Ave.