During a recent town council meeting, citizens were invited to participate in a public forum, adhering to the council's rules regarding public engagement. The forum allows residents to address the council on substantive town business, with a strict limit of five minutes per speaker and a requirement to submit a public participation form beforehand.

One notable speaker, Lynn Tongett, a former resident of Middletown, expressed her appreciation for the council's positive updates and shared important information regarding an upcoming candidate forum. Scheduled for next Monday, the forum is being organized by the League of Women Voters, the Chamber of Commerce, Involve Newport, and AARP. It will take place at the Columbus Hall, located at 7 Valley Road, and will feature Aaron Donovan Boyle, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, as the moderator.

The candidate forum aims to facilitate discussions among the candidates through a series of general questions, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with those seeking to represent them. This event is seen as a vital platform for fostering civic participation and informing residents about their electoral choices.