The issue: The bond issue is drawing closer, and people still have many questions to ask.

Our position: The city would do well to hold a question-and-answer forum in the convention center with a panel of experts.

Many people still have questions about the $12.5 million bond issue voters are asked to pass on Feb. 25.

It&8217;s late in the process, but there are so many items and so much money at stake, we believe an open forum would be a good idea.

Mayor James Perkins Jr. has appeared in many places &8212; churches and civic clubs &8212; to stump for the bond issue. And when he is asked, the mayor attempts to answer questions in the public forum.

A couple of information sessions were held prior to the approval by the Selma City Council of an election. But that&8217;s not enough.

A panel of the mayor, the bond attorneys, someone from the library, public works department and the city&8217;s auditor or financial department head could answer questions about the bond issue during a public meeting at the convention center in the days before the election.

The public should know what it&8217;s voting for.