With two Common Pleas Court judge openings to be filled on Nov. 4 for one of the few times in Mercer County history, there are many who believe this election could be one of the most meaningful in decades.

Among them is Michael Coulter, an assistant professor of political science at Grove City College.

"This is an important choice for Mercer County voters," Coulter, serving as a moderator, said Wednesday at the outset of the first and only question and answer forum scheduled for the three candidates this fall.

Democrats Christopher St. John and Stephen Mirizio, and Republican John Reed gathered before several dozen interested onlookers and supporters in Sticht Auditorium to answer questions prepared in advance by Coulter and the League of Women's Voters of Mercer County, which co-sponsored the event.

After opening statements, the candidates were given two minutes each to respond to four questions, two from the League's Pat Woodings and two from Coulter.

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