Incumbent Debbie Foster and challenger Jeff Weber, candidates for Fairmont mayor, answered questions Wednesday at a candidate forum at City Hall. 3^rd Ward council candidate Randy Lubenow also participated.

A social host ordinance that would hold adults responsible for underage alcohol consumption on their property, proposed by the Martin County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, drew strong emotional support from both candidates. Foster lost an adult daughter to alcoholism, while Weber has an adult son who struggles with heroin and meth addiction.

Randy Lubenow said an amenity that would give people a place to go to be with people other then drinking – like a community center – would be a good idea.

All agreed that the shortage of child care is one of the top issues facing the community and the area, saying it would be difficult to attract young families to Fairmont if they have no child care options available.