Voters encouraged to become informed and educated about candidates’ positions during non-partisan ‘Meet the Candidates’ night at Kent State Tuscarawas Founders Auditorium

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • February 14, 2012
  • 319
                        
Summary: A lively discussion at a Meet the Candidates night held at Kent State Tuscarawas recently drew voters who were quick to ask hard questions of their potential elected representatives. Although sixteen candidates were invited, only six of the sixteen accepted the opportunity to take on questions at the event. Concerns about the authority limits of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tuscarawas County Port Authority were voiced alongside questions about the ramifications of mandated national health insurance, elected officials’ accountability, and the U.S. Constitution as participants in a Feb. 13 Meet the Candidates night at Kent State Tuscarawas Founders Hall found themselves answering queries posed by voters. The non-partisan event was hosted by the Tuscarawas County civic group Patriots of Liberty. “We started out at a picnic in my backyard,” said volunteer Victor Roth. “We got together and worked on the Healthcare Freedom Amendment, which did pass, and we saw that there was this independent vote. The people who are voting are independently minded, and they really want to know, and to research about who these candidates are. Tonight’s event was that opportunity for the public to come out…and find out where these candidates stand. It doesn’t matter whether they are Democrats, Independents, or Republicans…I don’t know how people can vote without knowing the candidates.” Sharon Blocker of Bolivar admitted this is her first foray into political activism. “We are a civic minded group who just got together and wanted to make a difference. Our main goal is education for the community and for voters. We all got up off the couch and wanted to get involved,” said Blocker. “I’m just not happy about the way the country has been going and where it is headed for my kids. I wanted to get up and do something for them, so this is a start. I encourage everyone to get involved, and find out what your forte is, whether it is out talking to people or sending letters, or making phone calls. Get informed, and get educated.” The group invited all sixteen candidates running for Ohio state representative, the U.S. Congress, county commissioner, sheriff, or clerk of courts races to participate. Some candidates declined to attend and some ignored their invitations, but six candidates were on hand to answer to their potential constituents. Hombre Liggett was the only District 7 Congressional candidate to attend, while Shane Gunnoe was the sole County Commissioner candidate who responded. Both incumbent Sheriff Walt Wilson and his challenger Gerry Mroczkowski were on hand, as were Congressional Representative for District 6 candidate Victor Smith and Scott Rupert, who is actively seeking signatures to be placed on the ballot for District 6 candidate for Congress as an Independent in the November election. Warren Edstrom from The Voices of America served as moderator. “I thought this was a good evening of information from solid candidates who all have ideals and reasons for being here, a calling, so to speak. I am here because I think our country is in need of more people who take an interest in politics and learn as much as they can,” commented attendee George Zambie. “This is a growing movement in our country…that candidates need to be held more responsible,” said Orvis Campbell. Beth Ballentine of Uhrichsville said she ‘randomly’ decided to attend after being told about the event by a friend. “I was just here to listen to the candidates and get some new vision, just checking things out. Some of it was good information, and I took away from this a few candidates that I liked and a few candidates that I wouldn’t support.” Rupert summed up the expressed attitude of many of those attending by saying, “This is the most important election of our generation…we have the obligation to participate, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. We need to participate as ordinary Americans, taking our government back so that both sides will have to stop and examine the way they’ve been doing business, when they see that the people are rising up and taking back their government.” “Work for the candidates you support,” Edstrom encouraged the audience during his closing remarks. “Talk to them, ask questions, and vote for them.”


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