FAYETTE -- At a special public hearing Thursday, two ballot questions will be debated by the mayors of two central Maine cities.

Augusta Mayor Roger Katz and Waterville Mayor Paul LePage will debate Questions 2 and 4 at a forum at Fayette Central School on Route 17.

Question 2 is a citizen initiative that would cut the rate of the municipal excise tax by an average of 55 percent on vehicles less than six years old. Question 4 would impose limits on spending and tax increases by state and municipal governments and require voter approval for increases in government spending.

Both mayors are Republicans. Katz is an opponent of both the initiatives while LePage backs both.

The forum begins at 7 p.m.

Gardiner setspoll information

GARDINER -- Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Boy's and Girl's Club, formerly known as Pray Street School.

The registrar's office is open regular office hours through Nov. 2 and will be available at the polls on Election Day. The office also will be open 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29.

For voters who want to vote by absentee ballot, applications are available at www.gardinermaine.com or by calling 582-4460. Absentee voting also is available at the city clerk's office during regular business hours. The clerk's office will be open for absentee voting and registration on Sat. from 9 a.m. to noon; Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to noon For more information call 582-4460.

Fayette will votefor new selectman

FAYETTE -- Voters will fill a vacancy on the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 3.

There are no formal candidates in the race, but one resident, Kevin Lewis, has declared himself a write-in candidate.

The vacancy was created in September when Selectman Gerald Mitchell resigned. The resident chosen to fill the vacancy will serve through Mitchell's term, June 30.

Compiled from staff reports