The District 16 State House of Representatives race will be heavily contested on July 18 with five candidates vying for the spot that will be left vacant by incumbent Rep. Bill Cummings.

The Rockmart/Polk County Rotary Club hopes that by offering an ‘Eggs and Issues’ breakfast featuring the candidates, voters will be armed with the knowledge to make a confident decision at the polls.

Taking place on June 20, the breakfast will serve as a political forum where the five candidates running for the House seat will be able to express their stance on issues affecting the community.

According to Sherry Hardin, assistant district governor for the Rockmart/Polk County Rotary Club, all five candidates have expressed intentions to attend.

“The Rotary Club is doing this as a community service so residents can be aware of their candidates’ platforms,” said Hardin.

Hardin explained that a mediator would direct questions to the candidates during the event.

There will be a $10 charge, Hardin said, that will cover the cost of a catered full-course breakfast. The breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. at the Nathan Dean Center in Rockmart.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Hardin at 770-833-1903.

The five candidates set to speak are:

Democrat: Rick Crawford, 44, Cedartown, attorney

Democrat: Wright Gammon, 44, Cedartown,

attorney

Democrat: Eddard Graves, 56, Cedartown, insurance agent

Republican: Jonathan Ingram, 31, Cedartown

Republican: Roger Waldrop, 67, Rockmart, retired