I never dreamed offering local political candidates a free opportunity to talk to the voters would cause such paranoia and controversy as it did earlier this month when we held the inaugural Smithville Review Forum. I figured most folks who were running for office would love the opportunity to freely talk to their constituents and answer a few questions. Just this election season, we've had six such forums, hosted by various communities and groups over in Warren County, and the candidates flocked to them, eager to talk.