By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The men of the Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted a candidate forum at Toledo Public Library Main Branch McAllister Hall Thursday, October 26. The forum provided a platform for candidates for City Council and the Toledo Public School Board to share their views in anticipation of the upcoming November elections.
“We decided me needed more than ever to bring community in to have this conversation with candidates …” remarked Rev. John C. Jones, president of Alpha Xi Lambda chapter. “We thought it was critically important [whether contested or not] to hear voices from those on the ballot.”
The moderator of the event was Dr. Calvin Burney, vice president of Alpha Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The evenings forum was divided into three rounds and featured candidates for Toledo City Council and The Toledo Public School Board. Round 1: candidates for District 4, District 5 and District 6; Round 2: candidates for District 1, District 2 and At Large seat; Round 3: candidates for Toledo Public School Board.
Each round provided three questions for each candidate to answer, allotting them a three-minute response time. Questions ranged from topics such as the allocation of Toledo’s budget, inequity, and gun violence. Attendees were also given the opportunity and encouraged to write in questions for the candidates. Refreshments were provided.
Councilwoman Vanice Williams (District 4), Theresa Morris (District 6) and Anthony Martinez (District 2) are seeking reelection uncontested in the upcoming election.
Incumbent Councilman John Hobbs (District 1) is vying against Shaun L. Strong former City of Toledo employee. In District 5, Tom Names, retired engineer, is challenging incumbent Sam Melden. The At-large council seat is contested between incumbent Councilwoman Carrie Hartman and Christie Kellie, former caregiver.
This election, two Toledo Public School Board seats are up for grabs. Incumbents Sheena Barnes, president of the Toledo Public School Board and Randall Parker are seeking re-election while Jason Sobb and Zach Mercer are also contending for the positions. Parker will be on the ballot while Barnes, Sobb and Mercer are write-in candidates.
Important Voting Dates
Early Voting Polling Times:
November 1-3: 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November 4: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
November 5: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
November 6: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date.
November 7: General Election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November 7: Absentee Ballots may be returned by mail or personally delivered to your county board of elections. If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7:30 p.m.
November 13: Last day for boards of elections to receive absentee ballots that have been postmarked on or before November 6.