Candidates facing opponents in Muskogee’s runoff election for the mayoral post and two ward positions got a chance Thursday night to distinguish themselves from their opponents.

The candidates’ forum, sponsored by the Muskogee branch of the NAACP, set out platforms and answered a variety of questions posed by the audience of about 45 people.

All six contenders were in attendance, eager to respond to voters’ concerns and secure their shares of support. Voters peppered the candidates with questions about economic development and jobs, public education, race relations and city policies.

Cedric Johnson, president of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said he was pleased with the turnout.

“This is an exciting time in politics,” Johnson said, drawing parallels between local, state and federal elections on tap this year.

John Tyler Hammons and Hershel McBride, the two mayoral candidates to emerge from the field of six filers, touted their willingness to listen to the voters and work with the community.

“A leader helps you get where you want to go,” Hammons said, promising to be open and accessible to all residents. “A boss tells you where he wants to go — that won’t work anymore.”

McBride cited his record of openness and accessibility during his previous terms as mayor — the initiation of televised meetings and open dialogue — but criticized comments about a charter mayor being a ceremonial figure.

“You’ll never get anything accomplished working as a charter mayor,” McBride said. “You’ve got to be mayor 24 hours a day if you’re going to get anything done.”

Other candidates who took part in Thursday night’s forum at the Martin Luther King Center were Ward II candidates Shawn Raper and Frank Borovetz Jr., and Ward IV candidates Jackie Luckey and Troy Stoutermire.

Raper, a local real estate broker, said his vision for the city includes improved opportunities for more and better jobs. Borovetz, the Ward II incumbent, argued that change will occur even if the City Council membership doesn’t.

Luckey, a longtime law enforcement officer who now works with Green Country Behavioral Health Services at Youth Central as programs director, said the city must address poverty at its core level. Ward IV incumbent Stoutermire said the community will have to come together in order to tackle any difficulties that lie ahead.

Voters will go the polls May 13 to decide which three candidates will be seated on the next City Council.

Reach D.E. Smoot at 684-2903 or dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com.