The most populated race in years for Carbon County Commissioner is occurring for the May 17 Primary Election.

There are a total of nine candidates.Tonight at Penn's Peak, all nine candidates will be together in a public forum to both introduce themselves and present their platforms."Tax Day/Candidates Night" is being hosted by the Lehighton 9/12 Project. The event starts at 7 p.m., but doors to Penn's Peak open at 5:30 p.m. Before the 7 o'clock program, the candidates will be seated at tables to introduce themselves to individuals attending.Blue Ridge Communications TV 13 will be televising the program live."Tax Day/Candidates Night" has been organized by Elaine Thompson and Sandy Dellicker.The candidates will be given a specified amount of time to talk to the audience, and after that will field questions.Those vying for the position of county commissioners include incumbents Charles Getz, William O'Gurek, and Wayne Nothstein.Other candidates, alphabetically, are Robert Dages, Gene Duffy, Tom Gerhard, James Holland, Frank Ruch, and Gerald Strubinger.In addition, the two candidates for Carbon County Sheriff will be attending. They are unopposed in the May Primary but will face each other in November.Seeking the office of sheriff are incumbent Dwight Nothstein and Steve Armbruster.Incidentally, today is the deadline for filing federal, state, and local income taxes. Most post offices are open only until 5 p.m.