LINCOLN - Lincoln's three mayoral candidates say economic development will be the focal point of the upcoming election.

Mike Thornton, Pat O'Neill and Keith Snyder face a runoff election in the February primary. All three are Republicans; since no Democrats filed for the April 7 citywide election, next month's winner is not likely to face a serious threat.

The candidates will speak at a forum 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Johnston Center on the Lincoln College.

Incumbent Beth Davis-Kavelman is not seeking a third term.

"In these difficult economic times, the preservation and growth of our community's economic base is of primary importance," Snyder said. "Our economic base provides jobs for our families. It helps attract new businesses. It also provides tax revenues for essential city services. We must do all we can to fortify it and expand it."

Snyder said he would convene an economic development summit to lay out a blueprint for the city. Secondly, he believes city officials should be strategic in attracting economic opportunities and more jobs. Finally, the city should take a team approach to growth.

O'Neill believes the city should continue to look for revenue through tourism.

"With additional revenue through tourism, we should prioritize our needs and focus on the ones that are the most important and beneficial to us," O'Neill said. "We continue to strive to develop a clean community with increased property values, making sure affordable housing is available, enticing successful businesses to expand, and bolster our local school systems and local colleges."

Supporting Lincoln Christian College and Seminary and Lincoln College, O'Neill said, would provide another strong incentive for retailers looking to locate in Lincoln.

Thornton has not released specifics on his plan.

"This economy right now is tough for everyone, both locally and nationally," he said. "I'm still in the process of gathering ideas from Lincoln's citizens and organizing those thoughts to see what will work best," Thornton said. "At this point, I'm concerned with meeting as many people as possible, putting up campaign signs and talking about the issues that most concern the residents of Lincoln. Obviously, bringing more revenue into town is high on the list through jobs and economic development."