NATCHEZ — Three of the six candidates running for Adams County court judge visited with residents Thursday night during a political forum.

Walt Brown, Patricia Dunmore and Scott Pintard attended the event at The Lunch Box, which was organized by People of Progress chairperson Eva Dunkley.

The candidates shared why they deserve to be the new county court judge — following the 31-year tenure of Judge John Hudson, who did not seek re-election.

Those in attendance started a question and answer session with the candidates, regarding how the candidates plan to deal with children who have bad manners, and how to mold them into better individuals.

Pintard said he believes counselors are important.

“They should be being counseled, they should be looked at to determine the root of their anger problem.” Pintard said.

Pintard said he plans to access the children more thoroughly, if they are in the youth court system.

“They may be having a learning disability, which I have,” Pintard said. “I can understand the frustration of a child who is trying to read something, but they can’t understand it. We have to access those situations.”

Every child is different, Brown said.

“We have to figure out a way to get to these kids,” Brown said. “We have to give them opportunity, something to live for.”

Brown said some kids are not college able, and a trade may be the opportunity the child needs.

“We have to give them something,” Brown said. “What I intend to do as judge is try to work with the schools to build a nice trade school back up and give our kids an alternative.”

Dunmore called for a mentoring program, thinking it could possibly aid children in need of a parent in Adams County.

“There are a lot of families that don’t have a man, children need that,” Dunmore said.

Dunmore said that everyone could help by mentoring a child.

“You have to start young,” Dunmore said. “You have got to have someone responsible for them, because once they go to youth court, it’s in a critical stage.”

Dunmore said she has been working on a strong mentoring program with an individual out of Alabama.

“You have to cultivate the things you see in a child,” Dunmore said. “We have to be involved so we can grow them. Once they become problem children, it can be hard to deal with.”

Dunmore said in order for the area to change, the entire community has to come together.

Candidates Lamar Bullen, Brandi Lewis and Scott Slover were not present Thursday.

The candidates are expected to gather at 8 a.m. today at the Friday Forum for another political discussion.