Candidates vying for public office in Washington County, City of Washington and the Washington School Board were hosted by the Washington Branch of the NAACP and the Washington County League of Women Voters on Wednesday at the LeMoyne Community Center. The three hour Meet the Candidates Forum allowed voters an up close look at candidates and their views so those voters could be more educated on their selections come Election Day. Voters were disappointed as both Republican candidates for County Commissioner, incumbent Nick Sherman and his running mate Electra Janis were absent from the event. An email statement indicated that both would be attending a fundraising event that had been previously scheduled. Also absent was incumbent candidate for Prothonotary Laura Hough. No reason was given for her absence. The mood of the event was cordial among the candidates. The most spirited debate occurred between District Attorney candidates, incumbent Republican Jason Walsh and his Democratic challenger Christina Demarco Breeden. They sparred over the number of death penalty cases now being prosecuted in Washington County. The City of Washington Mayor race was also lively. Democratic candidate Joseph Burgess and Independent Candidate Mark Kennison offered their views on tax revenues, gun violence and minority employment. David Gatling, President of the Washington Branch of the NAACP and Diane DiSalle, President of the Washington County League of Women Voters both felt the event was a success despite the absences of the Republican candidates for Commissioner and Prothonotary.