The annual Voter Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and this newspaper is set for tonight at 7:30 at Islander Middle School. Nine candidates vying for seats on the Mercer Island City Council and the School Board will speak and answer questions.

The candidates for City Council include two incumbents: El Jahncke and Steve Litzow, who are both unopposed. Running for the vacated seats on the Council are Mike Cero and Maureen Judge for Pos. 3 and Bruce Bassett and Patti Darling for Pos. 5. Candidates hoping to return to the School Board are incumbents Pat Braman and Lisa Strauch-Eggers. Janet Frohnmayer is running unopposed for the School Board seat vacated by Leslie Ferrell.

The forum will also include brief presentations on two key ballot issues: Prop. 1, Roads & Transit and Ref. 67, regarding insurance claims.

Having so many of our town leaders in one place to discuss the issues most important to Islanders is a golden opportunity. However, not everyone can get out on a fall Wednesday evening. Many voters have obligations at home or are unable to physically get to the South end. But this time, Islanders have another way to participate. The forum will be rebroadcast on the Mercer Island High School radio station, X104.5 FM, between 10 a.m. and noon on both Saturday and Sunday and can also be heard on the Internet during those hours at www.x104.fm.The rebroadcast was the result of a collaboration between the League and the radio station to provide a true community service.

It seems like a no-brainer to use the resources that we have in place on this Island to broaden the participation of the community in its government.

We hope that the City Council will take note and be encouraged to televise their meetings. No special arrangements are necessary — the technology and resources are already there at City Hall.