KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Every two years, voters in Kalamazoo choose city commissioners and this year’s campaign has begun.

They mostly consist of door to door introductions, lawn signs and community forums.  Tuesday night, a forum was held at the Northside Association for Community Development. The forums may be the quickest and easiest way to get to know the large field of candidates and where they stand. 

Seven incumbents are being challenged by 5 residents who are seeking their first elective offices.  The next forum will be held Thursday evening at the Wellspring Theatre in the Epic Center at 6PM.

Mayor Bobby Hopewell was in California Tuesday, along with  Portage City Council member Patricia Randall.  They were checking out technology start-ups as part of an exploratory mission.  

As part of evaluating options for possible business in Kalamazoo, Hopewell said companies like New Mind Group in Kalamazoo have plenty of ideas for generating economic activity.  

Tuesday evening Hopewell was part of the city commission candidates forum by way of video chat from Skype's world headquarters in Palo Alto.