How the Beacon Journal is covering Akron's primary election for the community
Akron voters can't claim they lack chances to hear from the seven Democratic candidates for mayor in the May 2 primary.
Community groups have presented numerous helpful events in recent weeks, and there are several more upcoming opportunities to hear directly from the candidates.
The Akron Beacon Journal's coverage of the race will intensify in the coming weeks with the publication of our annual Voter Guide in print and online and co-sponsoring two debates. We're also partnering with Ideastream Public Media and the Bliss Institute at the University of Akron for a second poll to be released in late April.
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We take our role in helping educate voters about this important election seriously, especially with Mayor Dan Horrigan stepping down and no Republicans on the ballot. Local journalism matters — and with Summit County's largest newsroom, we're investing heavily in covering this race.
Here's what we've already done and what you can expect.
Akron Decides community survey
It's important to allow citizens to shape an election instead of just the politicians.
Thanks to funding from several community organizations and businesses, a survey conducted by the Center for Marketing and Opinion Research provided rich information on how Akron citizens view their community and issues.
We provided input on the survey's questions and produced extensive coverage of the results. The information also will guide upcoming coverage and debate questions.
If you missed the coverage, key findings include:
Safety and crime were top concerns of 89% of respondents followed by K-12 education (75%) quality housing (73%), affordable housing (72%), racial justice and equality (71%), job creation and retention (70%), economic development (70%) and homelessness and evictions (70%),
51% said they feel less safe now than a few years ago, which is up from 36% in 2015 and 31% in 2005.
62% support police reform.
54% said their city is on the wrong track.
Two-thirds of voters were undecided on their choice of mayor at that time.
By the numbers: What Akron wants in a mayor and what the next mayor should do
Debates April 5, 12
The next major dates on the campaign calendar come in early April, when all seven candidates are expected to participate in two debates being produced by the Ohio Debate Commission, Ideastream, the Akron Press Club and the Akron Beacon Journal.
The April 5 debate at Quaker Station will begin at noon and feature questions from a panel of journalists. I will serve as the moderator.
Doors will open at 11 a.m. The debate will start at noon and last 90 minutes. There will be a $35 charge for the lunch, with proceeds funding scholarships for journalism and public relations students. Those who do not wish to eat lunch may attend at no charge. Visit the Akron Press Club website for tickets and details.
The 7 p.m. April 12 debate will be held at the Akron-Summit County Public Library on South High Street. It is free and open to the public, with tickets available on the Ohio Debate Commission web site.
Candidates will answer questions from the public submitted in advance at this debate, which will be moderated by Rick Jackson, Ideastream senior host/producer, and Andrew Meyer, Ideastream deputy editor/news. Questions may be submitted on the commission's website.
Additional mayoral and city council events include:
4 p.m. March 30: 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.
6 p.m. March 30: 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, 8 Point Bistro, 1912 Buchholzer Blvd.
10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. April 1: Akron City Council candidates 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. Mayoral candidates are expected at the same location from 2-4 p.m.
8:30 a.m. April 1: Bishop Mayceo Smith will host a Faith Community Conversation discussing "the issues for all of us" at City of Joy at 610 W. Exchange St.
Voter Guide
We're also again partnering with the League of Women Voters in Akron and Hudson to publish a Voter Guide where candidates are allowed to communicate in their own words. The effort is again generously supported by the Knight Foundation.
In their words: Seven Akron mayoral candidates share their plans if elected
The guide will go live on BeaconJournal.com in early April and allows voters to enter their address to receive a customized ballot for their ward. Information also will be available for Akron City Council and other primary elections and ballot issues across Summit County.
The same information, albeit in an abbreviated format, will appear in the print newspaper during April.
We're also planning an in-depth report on the candidates and polling in late April.
Support local journalism
All of this work requires an investment that's only possible thanks to our loyal print and digital subscribers. We appreciate those who invest in local journalism, and encourage everyone else to consider supporting our team.
Support local journalism:How to subscribe to BeaconJournal.com
Michael Shearer is editor of the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at 330-996-3750 or mshearer@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Voter Guide, debates, polling planned for May 2 primary
