The three candidates in a Nov. 7 special election to fill the unexpired term of former District 54 Rep. Alex Monsour will face each other Oct. 23 in a debate sponsored by the Warren County Republican Executive Committee and the Warren County Republican Women’s Club.

The program will be 6 p.m. in the circuit courtroom on the second floor of the Warren County Courthouse. It is the second pre-election program for the candidates. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumni, Blacks in Government and the Vicksburg Chapter of the NAACP will have a candidate forum Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. in the circuit courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse

“I’m glad we’re having both programs,” Republican Executive Committee chairman Eric Biedenharn said. “These candidates need to get out and meet the people and address the issues so the voters will know who they are and can make an informed decision on who to vote for.”

He said each candidate at the debate will be given six minutes to present their background and platform, and will answer the question, “What are the priority issues facing the legislature this year and what are your positions on them?”

After that, the candidates will answer three questions selected from the public and the executive committee, and have two minutes to answer each question. Each candidate will then be given two minutes for closing remarks.

“Each person attending the debate will receive a card as they come in the courtroom, and will be able to write a question for the candidates,” Biedenharn said. “The cards will then be given to the executive committee, which will select the best three questions.”

Three candidates have qualified for the election —Vicksburg contractor Joe Bonelli, Dr. Randy Easterling and Kevin Ford, owner of the Ford Insurance Agency.

Monsour, a Republican, resigned his seat in the Mississippi House July 5, about a month after defeating then-incumbent South Ward Alderman Willis Thompson in the June 6 municipal general election.

His resignation came after a state Attorney General’s opinion said he could no longer serve as District 54 representative because under the city’s special charter the aldermen has administrative as well as legislative responsibilities.

Prior to winning the alderman’s seat, he had served in the Legislature for 10 years.