Antioch City Council incumbents Reggie Moore and Martha Parsons have declined to participate in a candidate forum sponsored by the Friday Morning Breakfast Club, among others, according to an email from one of its members.

The challengers — Gary Agopian, Arne Simonsen and Wade Harper — have confirmed they will attend, FMBC member Gary Gilbert wrote.

A couple of incumbents who lost their elections a few years ago, former Mayor Don Freitas and former councilman Arne Simonsen, formed the FMBC and it has become one of the stronger voices of the community. It is unclear whether it will evolve into a political force to be reckoned; the outcome of the Nov. 2 election could answer that question.

On the one hand, it is easy to see why the incumbents refused. Two of the three challengers are members of the FMBC and the atmosphere could be, well, hostile.

But incumbents, in particular, have an obligation to meet with their constituents. If they are abused, it puts them on high ground. If they are treated fairly, then voters benefit.

The FMBC candidates forum is set for Friday, 8-9:30 a.m., at the Denny’s on Lone Tree Way.

Here is Gilbert’s full email:

Hello Everyone:

As you will recall, on Friday, August 6, 2010 I sent an email to ALL Antioch City Council candidates inviting them to meet with FMBC, ACT Neighborhood Cleanup and many other members of our community as a means to provide each candidate with a platform to share their vision if elected as a member of the city council in the November. Gary Agopian, Wade Harper, and Arne Simonsen responded immediately and agreed to attend the forum, however, incumbents Martha Parsons and Reggie Moore have failed to respond and refuse to participate.

Although I have made every effort to include Councilwoman Parsons and Councilman Moore in this process, I was informed earlier this week that Parsons and Moore have stated equally that as members of our city council “they are not accountable to me or FMBC.” I beg to differ. As appointed or elected officials of Antioch, Parsons and Moore are indeed accountable to every individual living in this community.

In consideration of Councilmembers Parsons and Moore’s refusal to attend the forum and meet with their constintuents to answer questions and discuss the future of Antioch, we will move forward without their presence.

In the interim, please contact everyone you know and encourage them to attend the candidates forum next Friday, September 10th from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the community room of Denny’s on Lone Tree Way.

Have a safe Labor Day Weekend.

Gary (Gilbert)