The six remaining candidates vying for City Council seats said their private-sector positions would not conflict with their public-sector roles should they be elected.

That revelation came during a candidate forum sponsored by the Muskogee Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Some candidates explained how their livelihoods rise and fall with Muskogee’s economic health. Others said their private-sector profiles would be a benefit to the city and its citizens. All of them dismissed the idea that a conflict of interest might exist.

The forum provided all six candidates a chance to distinguish themselves from their opponents in the presence of their opponents and the audience of about 45 people who attended the Thursday evening debate.

Cedric Johnson, president of the NAACP’s Muskogee Branch, said he believes the candidates and their claims, but citizens must be the watchdog that makes sure no conflicts develop.

“There is the opportunity for conflict — that’s always going to be there,” Johnson said. “But it will be up to the electorate to make sure that doesn’t happen after the election.”

Johnson said while the debate among the candidates was interesting, he was disappointed with the turnout and the apparent lack of interest within the community.

“Especially from the standpoint of the African-American community,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of people who are sitting here and not getting involved, not asking questions about the issues. I get a lot of people who say, ‘Why vote? They are just going to do what they want to do anyway.’”

Even so, all six contenders were eager to respond to concerns, answer their questions, and secure their shares of support. In return, voters who were there peppered the candidates with questions about economic development and jobs, public education and infrastructure, race relations and city policies.

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. He also questioned the city’s spending practices when it comes to improvements to roads and industrial development.