Four candidates vying for an at-large seat on Tacoma City Council met Thursday at Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in the first candidate forum hosted by local blog Exit 133 ( http://www.exit133.com ).

Candidates — including small-business owner Marty Campbell, Tacoma Rescue Mission executive director David Curry, Tacoma Public Library development officer Marilyn Strickland, and real estate agent Jonathan Phillips — fielded questions that ranged from affordable housing, regional transportation, neighborhood infrastructure, education, building height restrictions, and the environment.

The questions were generated by Exit 133 readers. The forum was hosted by Exit 133 blogger Derek Young, and was a rare opportunity for candidates to meet in one setting to discuss the issues.

“Anyone can blog about what’s happening, but it takes real courage to run for office,” said Strickland. “I applaud my fellow candidates for their courage.”