There are still 7 candidate debates and forums ahead of the May 2 primary in Akron
The public can still meet, hear from and even question the seven candidates certified to run for mayor of Akron. And debate sponsors are adding events to quiz council candidates.
The Beacon Journal has compiled and will regularly update this list of debates and forums. Please email events to reporter Doug Livingston at dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. The election is May 2 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must be registered by April 3. Early voting begins April 4.
In their words:Seven Akron mayoral candidates share their plans if elected
How to get debate tickets:Tickets for Akron mayoral debates on April 5, 12 now available
ArtsNow Arts and Culture Town Hall
March 30 (Downtown) — Mayoral town hall hosted by ArtsNow at the Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St. Discussion will focus on arts and culture and their role in Akron's economy. Moderated by Jim Crutchfield. This free two-hour event begins at 4 p.m.
Social justice forum for council candidates
March 30 (Chapel Hill) — Candidates for city council have been invited by Serve the People Akron, Freedom BLOC, Akron Bail Fund and the Peoples Conventions to speak on matters of social justice from 6-8 p.m. at 8 Point Bistro, 1912 Buchholzer Blvd.
Community City Council Candidates Forum by dhlivingston on Scribd
Environmental forum for mayor, council candidates
April 1 (Highland Square) — From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm., all Akron city council candidates have been invited to participate in a forum at 133 Merriman Rd. at the H.U.G., previously the home of congregation Temple Israel, to share their vision for an environmentally sustainable Akron. Akron mayoral candidates are expected at the same location from 2-4 p.m.
This event is hosted by Big Love, Blu Jazz Masterclass Foundation, Community Life Collaboration, LEAD for Pollinators, Preserve the Valley, Save White Pond, Sierra Club. In addition, Preserve the Valley, a group of citizens organizing around environmental sustainability in the Merriman Valley, conducted an environmental issues survey. Not all candidates responded. But answers are available at preservethevalley.com/issues.
Faith Community Mayoral Conversation
April 1 (West Hill) — From 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Bishop Mayceo Smith will host a Faith Community Conversation discussing "the issues for all of us." The conversation will be held at City of Joy at 610 W. Exchange St.
Mayoral debate sponsored by Akron Press Club, Ideastream, Akron Beacon Journal and the Ohio Debate Commission
April 5 (Downtown) — Mayoral debate in collaboration with Akron Press Club, Ideastream Public Media, Akron Beacon Journal and the Ohio Debate Commission at Quaker Station, 135 S Broadway St. The event is free with a charge for the optional lunch. (Proceeds support scholarships for journalism and public relations students.) Doors open at 11 a.m. Ninety-minute debate begins at noon. Candidates must meet campaign activity and other eligibility criteria to participate. Moderated by Akron Beacon Journal Editor Mike Shearer. Registration will open at www.akronpressclub.org as the event nears.
Akron Urban League Hosts Mayoral Forum
April 6 (Downtown) - The Akron Urban League hosts an Akron Mayoral Forum at the Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd. The two-hour event is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. Moderated by award-winning reporter Mizell Stewart III. The debate will also be streamed live on the Urban League's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Akron Press Club mayoral debate
April 12 (Downtown) — Second mayoral debate in collaboration with Akron Press Club, Ideastream Public Media, Akron Beacon Journal and the Ohio Debate Commission at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St. This free 90-minute debate begins at 7 p.m. Moderator(s) to be announced.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 7 chances to meet, greet, question Akron mayor candidates before May 2
