Bob McCabe is one of several running for Vero Beach City Council. [Photo: Kaila Jones]

VERO BEACH — Seven out of eight city council candidates answered questions Wednesday afternoon during a forum about key issues in the city of Vero Beach.

The candidate forum, held at noon Wednesday at the Vero Beach Country Club, was moderated by Taxpayers’ Association of Indian River County President John Kistler. More than 100 people sat in the audience as Kistler asked each candidate their thoughts on solutions to crucial issues affecting Vero Beach residents.

The candidates present were Estelle Panagakos, Bob McCabe, Brian Heady, Rey Neville, John Cotugno, Joe Graves, and Jeff Nall. The eighth candidate, Nick Thomas, was not at the forum.

Kistler asked the candidates detailed questions on issues affecting the city, including Centennial Place, oceanside parking, tax rates, moving the wastewater treatment plant off of the Indian River Lagoon and more. All the candidates, except for Heady and McCabe, are political newcomers.

The candidates are competing for two seats being vacated by Mayor Val Zudans and Councilman Harry Howle. The other members still on city council are Councilmember Laura Moss, Councilmember Robert Brackett and Vice-Mayor Tony Young.

The race will be held Nov. 5 and the two new council members will be sworn in at 10 a.m. Nov. 18 at City Hall. A new mayor and vice-mayor will also be chosen by the council on that date.