BURLINGTON — The Concerned Citizens of Burlington will continue its long-running tradition with “Meet the Candidates Night” at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Harriet Ramsey, president of the citizens’ group, said the event is one of the most important that the group puts on.

“We started this many years ago as a way to better inform the public,” Ramsey said. “Many times people go to the polls and they have no idea who these people are. We just want the voters to make an informed decision.”

She said meeting candidates face to face could make a difference in voting behaviors.

“They read everything in the paper, but they don’t really know the candidates personally,” she said.

Candidates for county offices of auditor and commissioner have been invited to attend, as well as candidates for common pleas judge. A representative from the Board of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities will also be on had to talk about the upcoming vote on the levy renewal.

The new voting machines will also be demonstrated, Ramsey said.

A special recognition ceremony will be held for Burlington teachers Stephanie Hill and Sue Wills for their recent designation as Wal-Mart/Sam’s Teachers of the Year. This was the first time two teachers from Burlington received the honor.

Burlington Elementary will also be recognized during Thursday’s meeting for attaining the title of the Ohio Department of Education’s “School of Promise” for the third year in a row. Ramsey said the school is one of a few in the state to do so.