A series of Wednesday public luncheon presentations by candidates for mayor of Milwaukee will kick off the Milwaukee Press Club's 2003-'04 programming year.

The first luncheon is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 17, from noon to 1 p.m., with former congressman Tom Barrett appearing at the Newsroom Pub, home of the Press Club at 137 E. Wells St., across from the Pabst Theater.

Also scheduled to speak at luncheons in the Newsroom Pub are:

* Sandy Folaron, Wed., Sept. 24

* Marvin Pratt, Wed., Oct. 1

* Tom Nardelli, Wed., Oct. 8

* Vince Bobot, Wed., Oct. 15

* Frank Cumberbatch, Wed., Oct. 22

* Leon Todd, Wed., Oct. 29

* Martin Matson, Wed., Nov. 5.

* John Pitta, Wed., Nov. 12

* David Clarke, Wed., Nov. 19

Other candidates will be added as/if they join the race.

David Niles, editor of Small Business Times and president of the Press Club, said the large field competing to succeed John Norquist as mayor requires that all candidates be given a chance to disclose and discuss their plans for the city.

"What better place to do that than the Press Club, with its rich tradition of hosting local, state and national politicians since 1885," says Niles.

The primary election will be in February with the general election for mayor in April.

The luncheons are open to the public. A $6 entry fee will cover a lunch buffet. For reservations, call the Press Club at (414) 276-2582. Space is limited.

Also coming up on the Press Club's agenda is the September 25 annual meeting at the Newsroom Pub, the October 10 Hall of Fame banquet at the Wisconsin Club, the Milwaukee City Birthday Party in January and other newsmaker gatherings at the Newsroom.