The two high profile candidates for Allen County commissioner will make their first joint appearance next week.

Commissioner Nelson Peters and Recorder John McGauley, both Republicans, will participate in a forum on Feb. 22 at the Downtown GOP Club in party headquarters downtown.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and is open to all members of the lunch club. Membership costs $15 annually, or nonmembers can attend for $5.

The race between the two countywide elected politicians is expected to be one of most competitive on the local ballot, especially as McGauley has already begun campaigning about his desire to reduce the number of commissioners from three to one.

Republican William Phillips also filed to run for the position, as did Democrats Gordon Anthony and David Roach. Anthony ran unsuccessfully for Fort Wayne City Council last year.