Attracting young families is vital for the future of rural communities and is always a focus of a city's leadership.

At last Wednesday's mayoral candidates forum for the unfinished two-year term of mayor on the Clinton City Council, five of the six candidates on next week's ballot addressed how they envision the opportunities for kids in Clinton.

Kelley Harvey is particularly passionate about the youth of Clinton and says whether elected or not, she hopes to offer leadership opportunities for kids through partnerships with various local leaders.

Robert Kreitler calls youth programming in Clinton 'hit-and-miss' over the years. He remembers when there was robust programs. He believes anything that is done would have to be done in partnership with what already exists with non-profits like the YMCA or The Vault.

Seth Redinton says it's great to think about what we can do for youth, but it will be tax dollars that will pay for things.

Like Kreitler, Doug Tucker says it would be great to partner with groups like the YMCA and The Vault. He also says parents need to be involved.

Helen Michelassi believes Clinton has great opportunities for kids already but hopes to see some a programs of the past return.

Each candidate was given 90 seconds to answer each question. Some used their allotted time while others wrapped up their answers before their time expired. 

We'll have more from the candidate's forum throughout the week on Regional Radio leading up to next Tuesday's election. The election is for the two years remaining on the unfinished term of the Mayor on the Clinton City Council. 

You can hear the candidates' forum in its entirety at dewittdailynews.com and find the link to the forum at the top of the homepage.