Mayoral candidates Mayor Fred Robinson and City Councilman Michael Lyles shook hands cordially as they arrived on stage at Tuesday night's candidate forum at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. Then both candidates were off and running for votes - Robinson for another term, and Lyles to shift from his District 4 seat to the incumbent mayor's job in the Nov. 6 election.

"We need bold action for Bowie's future," Lyles said at the public event sponsored by the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. "You need to elect someone who has government experience."

Lyles spoke before an audience of approximately 120 that included...