Byline: Beth Reese Cravey, County Line staff writer

Like sprinters jumping hurdles, the six Green Cove Springs City Council candidates on hand for a Tuesday election forum had to tackle a wide range of issues.

The questions from the event's sponsor, the city's Merchants Association, and from residents in the audience that generated the most heat were on a referendum that would require voter approval for the park and other adjacent city property to be sold or leased, and the potential for the utility to be sold.

The ballot for Tuesday's election has the names of seven candidates who are seeking two open council seats, as well as the referendum.

Councilman Jim Loner is seeking re-election to Seat 4, challenged by Bob Page. Seeking Seat 5 are Nancy Forehand, Mike French, James W. Menefee Jr., Debbie Ricks and Virginia E. Sheppard. Incumbent Jerry Williams is prevented by term limits from seeking another consecutive term.

Loner is the only candidate who has held elective office. …