FORMER Logan mayor John Freeman has challenged all mayoral candidates to support a proposed Logan City Council forum at the Logan Entertainment Centre on February 20.
Mr Freeman said candidates Brett Raguse and Paul Taylor agreed to contribute some of the cost to rent the entertainment centre, but was yet to hear from Stewart Fleming or Darren Power.
"They should be standing in front of the community to answer questions," Mr Freeman said.
Darren Power said he was yet to be contacted by phone or email regarding Mr Freeman's proposal.
"It is hard to go to a forum I know nothing about," he said.
"I spoke at a Ratepayers Association meeting recently and explained why people should vote for me. I also spoke to a senior group recently so I'm glad to discuss things.
"I understand why they may be intimidated for me to go as I have a lot of knowledge."
Stewart Fleming said it would be "self-serving" for candidates to plan their own forum.
"I don't think it is up to candidates to organise these things," he said.
"There will be plenty of opportunities for candidates to talk. I understand a church is organising a forum and an economic group invited me to one of theirs."
Paul Taylor said he was strongly in favour of election debates, and would like to see at least three or four involving all candidates.
"We should have a few forums as this is a very critical election," he said.
"The entire credibility of the council has been turned on its head and there will be an enormous task of rebuilding the credibility of council, and that falls squarely on shoulders of the mayor.
"It is critical to get someone confident and capable of doing that.
"I will go anywhere, whether they are friends or not, because it is my chance to shine."
The Logan Country Safe City group has planned election forums at the Jimboomba Community Hall on February 15 and 29 from 4pm to 6pm.
