A variety of issues impacting Mathews County were brought up during Tuesday night’s candidate forum, which was sponsored by the Mathews chapter of the NAACP and held at First Baptist Church, Mathews. All candidates on the ballot in Mathews were invited to participate in the forum, which drew about 30 members of the public.

Candidates for the two open seats on the Mathews County Board of Supervisors were first to speak.

Independent candidate Jack White said if elected, he plans to think outside of the box; observe, learn and see if there is anything he can contribute to help Mathews County. "My motto is service above self," White said, adding that he was so proud and excited to be around members of the community who serve and who serve so selflessly.

Incumbent board member O.J. Cole, also an independent, said he has been involved in community affairs ever since he retired from NASA. He said he has served two terms on the county’s board of supervisors and vows if reel...