Candidates for Oro Valley mayor and town council have agreed to participate in a forum Wednesday, July 30, at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene, 500 W. Calle Concordia.

The public is welcome to attend the free event, presented by the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at 5 p.m., giving guests one hour to meet casually with the candidates. The question-and-answer portion runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary.

Incumbent Mayor Satish Hiremath and challenger Pat Straney are first on stage, answering questions from Chamber President / CEO Dave Perry and Thelma Grimes, editor of The Explorer and Inside Tucson Business.

Following the mayoral debate, town council candidates Don Bristow, and incumbent council members Joe Hornat, Mary Snider and Vice Mayor Lou Waters field questions.

There will be no questions from the audience. Grimes is soliciting questions from Explorer readers, and some of those may be asked during the evening. A brief presentation on the home rule question is also planned.

Residents who want to submit questions can email them to Thelma Grimes at thelma@tucsonlocalmedia.com.

Oro Valley voters make decisions on their elected leadership at the Aug. 26 primary. In addition to the mayor’s slot, there are three council seats on the ballot. If majorities are not established in August, voters may face the decisions again in November.

Church of the Nazarene is west of Canyon del Oro High School.

For information on the forum, call 297-2191, or email dave@orovalleychamber.com.

Watch the debate after the jump.