The Aug. 7 primary is just over a week away. Amid the clamor of the contentious presidential race, it is easy for this important local election to get lost in the shuffle.It was good to see the Great Bend League of Women Voters hold its candidates’ forum last week and it is good to see area residents who support the various candidates submit their letters to the editor. However, while there have been a few serious issues addressed, many have remained untouched.The City of Great Bend and Barton County have weathered the recession rather well.