The Town Hall Grill is living up to its name.

The upscale sports bar is launching a series of  town hall meetings focused on community issues called "The Village Voice" and you get to have a say in what's discussed.

The bimonthly forums will feature local, statewide and national political candidates, or their representatives, who will speak about issues and concerns facing the communities they represent.

The first event kicks off at 4 p.m. Monday June 23, when B.J. Lawson discusses his campaign for the 4th Congressional District seat. Lawson, a Republican, faces U.S. Rep. David Price (D-NC) in the November election.

The event sponsored by The North Carolina Center for Voter Education and MyNC.com and will be moderated by NBC17 reporter Lauren Hills.

"The intent is to allow citizens to actually experience their candidate and elected officials in a way that is a little more (personal)," said Sandy Andrews, who is coordinating the event for Town Hall Grill. "A debate-style format often puts the candidate in a defensive position, so they can't really speak freely."

Anyone who would like to suggest topics for Lawson to speak about is encouraged to post comments at the bottom of this article.

The comments will be forwarded to Lawson in advance of his speech to give him an idea of what topics the community would like to hear about, Andrews said. Those who attend will also have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of Lawson's speech.

Price has been invited to speak at a future forum, Andrews said.

The event is open to the public but seating is limited. Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to sign up by clicking the "online reservation" button at the top of The Town Hall Grill's Village Voice page. 

About Dr. William (BJ) Lawson (provided by Lawson's campaign):

While starting and growing a company dedicated to improving patient care was extremely rewarding, BJ's experience raising money and growing a business led him face to face with broader problems facing our society today.

Specifically, he started asking questions about our economic and monetary system: Why are basic healthcare benefits and health insurance so unaffordable for so many? Why are skyrocketing tuitions leaving students imprisoned by debt, and working and middle-class families unable to save for college and professional school? Do a $9 trillion national debt and $800 billion current account deficit really matter? What are the consequences of the Federal Reserve's ability to raise and lower interest rates? Answering these questions led BJ to one ultimate conclusion: We must do better, and I can help.

BJ declared his candidacy for North Carolina's 4th district Congressional seat in December.  For more information visit www.lawsonforcongress.com.