Special to the American Press

A debate among candidates for Lake Charles mayor Thursday night will highlight an evening for voters that also includes a meet-and-greet with other area candidates.

The event takes place Thursday, March 6, at the Lake Charles Event Center, formerly the Civic Center, and is free and open to the public.

The voter outreach effort is presented as a public service by the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtors® in conjunction with the Louisiana Realtors® Political Action Committee to help citizens cast an informed vote.

The debate will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Rosa Hart Theatre.

All five candidates for mayor have confirmed they will attend.

With seating for 1,900 people, the theatre will be hosting the area’s largest pre-election event.

The debate moderator will be Gus Fontenot of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance.

Debate topics will center on real estate, economic development, quality of life and other city issues.

The debate will come after an informal meet-and-greet from 5-6 p.m. in the Contraband Room, where other area candidates will visit one-on-one with voters and be able to give two-minute remarks.

The meet-and-greet is open to local candidates seeking office in the surrounding parishes of Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis, including Lake Charles City Council and mayor of other cities.

For more information — visit the SWLA Realtors® Voter Outreach page on Facebook.