Well, it’s that time of year again — political season. And the “elect so-and-so” signs are in full bloom in front yards and along roadways and city streets throughout Natchez and Adams County.

With the first primary elections coming upon us so quickly on Tuesday, Aug. 2, the Legislative Committee of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled not one but two forums for candidates for this year’s county offices.

These forums will give voters the opportunity to see and evaluate for themselves progress made by incumbent candidates and to hear plans and ideas of new candidates for these very important offices. Because there are so many candidates for these offices and to give candidates time to adequately present their platforms, the Legislative Committee felt it necessary to cover these races in separate events.

The first forum is scheduled for Monday night at the Natchez Convention Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Candidates for the office of Adams County supervisor will be introduced at this forum, and only candidates for the four contested races will be included.

The second forum is scheduled for Tuesday night, also at the Natchez Convention Center, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Candidates for the remaining Adams County offices will be introduced at this forum, and only candidates for these four contested races will be included.

At each forum, the time will be divided into four sections with a single district featured in each section.

During each segment, candidates will respond to a couple of questions prepared by the Chamber Legislative Committee and will then have a one-minute wrap-up statement concerning his/her candidacy. Some questions will be district specific as well as some that cross district lines. Numbers will be drawn for candidate introductions, questions and wrap-ups.

These forums are free to the public and voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the candidates by attending these events prior to the Aug. 2 primary elections. Remember, voting is a privilege and these forums are opportunities to allow you to know the individuals who want to represent you in public office.

As a reminder to candidates and their supporters, political signs are not allowed on MDOT state maintained highway rights of way. MDOT crews are constantly battling to keep state roadways clear of political signs which not only pose a litter hazard but can also block the vision of motorists since most political signs seem to grow in clusters at intersections.

Please don’t think that MDOT is jumping on the political candidates. More often than not, their supporters are putting out the political signs that are illegally placed. But, that candidate’s name is attached to the signs, so MDOT advises that candidates educate their supporters on where to place political signs legally.

And most importantly, once the election is complete, please go back and remove the signs so they don’t contaminate the environment and become a part of litter removal that MDOT spends millions on each year to clean up.

Janet Sullivan is a member of the Chamber Legislative Committee.