LINCOLN - Lincoln residents will get the opportunity to hear from the three mayoral candidates during a forum Jan. 22 on the Lincoln College campus.

Mike Thornton, Pat O'Neill and Keith Snyder will face each other in the Feb. 24 Republican primary. The winner likely will be unopposed in the April 7 election because no Democrat has filed.

Incumbent Mayor Beth Davis-Kavelman announced she would not seek a third term.

The forum, at 7 p.m. at the Johnston Center, will be the first event featuring all three candidates, said Andi Hake, executive director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. The forum will be sponsored by Lincoln College's student senate and the Chamber of Commerce's government/education committee.

"The purpose of this is to provide a nonpartisan opportunity for the candidates to discuss their ideas and to highlight the differences in their individual platforms," Hake said. "It is also intended to further engage the citizens of Lincoln and the campus community in the democratic process."

Lincoln College President John Hutchinson, will moderate the event. The questions will be selected by a panel comprised of Hake, Lincoln elementary school Superintendent Mary Ahillen and former Lincoln College student Matt Dickerson.

Guests in attendance will have the opportunity to submit questions the panel in the selection process.

All three candidates have identified economic development as a main theme in their campaigns.

Tickets for the forum are free, but must be reserved in advance. For more information, call (217) 735-2385.

Tickets can be picked up at the Chamber offices, Heartland Community College's office at 620 Broadway and at Lincoln College at 300 Keokuk St.

A reception will follow the debate.