With Election Day a little over a month away, a forum was held on Wednesday in Bradenton to give citizens a closer look at some of their potential leaders.

There were four candidates and two races for the forum in hosted by the Bradenton Herald and held at the METV studio. It focused on commission seats and school board contenders.

Carol Whitmore and Terri Wonder are both going after the County Commission District Six seat. Whitmore already holds the job and wants to continue with plans for job growth in the county.

“The most important issue is jobs," said Whitmore. "It’s to diversify the county of Manatee. You can’t rely on two industries to make it you have to be prepared unfortunately for a possible recession in the future.”

If Terri Wonder is elected, she's promising to focus on preserving the county's natural resources. Wonder says current commissioners have made some bad choices.

“I'm a candidate who has not forgotten their old Florida roots and that will stand up for the old Florida that this county loves,” said Wonder.

The other half of this forum was focused on education and the school board candidates. Current school board Chair Julie Aranibar is going up against Mary Cantrell for the District Five Seat.

They have different opinions on how things are going.

Aranibar wants to continue what she calls progress. However, Cantrell says the new administration is using fear tactics and intimidation.

“Whether it’s a reality, right now it’s their perception and your perception becomes your reality and that needs to change,” said Cantrell.

“I see all of the indicators of success for our district and I would just like to continue that progress,” said Aranibar.

Election Day is November 4.