By Robin Pircher

Student Government will host a forum for students to learn about the five candidates running for the 3rd District seat on the city council. After the November election, one of them will make decisions that affect UK students, said Nate Simon, SG deputy chief of staff.

“The 3rd District encompasses many of the students, faculty and staff at UK,” Simon said. “Everything from housing relations to economic development, the council person elected has a great say in these matters.”

Dick DeCamp, the current 3rd District councilman, is serving his sixth two-year term and cannot run again because of term limits.

The five candidates who are running — Jonathan Rodgers, Diane Lawless, Eric Thomason, Don Pratt and Garry Weston — will be present at the forum tonight from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Worsham Theater in the Student Center. The forum is open to the public.

The candidates will answer questions previously submitted by students and discuss campus topics such as the Lexington Area Party Plan, town-and-gown relations, and Lexington’s housing and development plans.

“Last semester, many might remember the proposed housing plan that became such a big issue,” said Chris Crumrine, SG chief of staff. “Attending will help make us aware of such issues and how UK and Lexington interact with one another.”

Students can submit questions for the candidates to answer at the forum by e-mailing them to [email protected].

“With five very qualified candidates running, we hope that everyone in attendance will gain a better understanding of not only who they are, but what platform they are running on,” Simon said.