Editorial–Richland Source is pleased to announce that WMAN radio, The Renaissance Theatre, DRM Productions, and Richland Young Professionals have joined with us to host Richland County’s largest mayoral debate on October 20, 2015.
Back in April of 2014, I read a great article in The Atlantic about how city governments can thrive and be remarkably effective, even in the midst of a tragically dysfunctional national political environment. Author James Fallows examined cities in the liberal northeast and conservative south and found they shared a singular commonality: strong and effective mayors that articulate a clear vision for their city, bring people to the table, and get things done.
Richland Source and our partners believe that the mayoral races in Mansfield and Shelby are among the most important in years. The cities, as well as all of Richland County, are both at a crossroads of sorts. They face deep-seated problems like workforce training, economic development, and the public health problem that is widespread opiate addiction.
At the same time, there is unmistakable momentum in the form of an improving economy, significant corporate investment, and resurgences in both city centers. The new mayors will have to address the issues and seize the opportunities at the same time.
As facilitators of public discussion, we believe the debate will provide the mayoral candidates in Richland County the chance to lay out their vision for the cities they wish to govern.
Mansfield’s historic Renaissance Theatre will serve as the host and the debate will be open to the public. The debate will be broadcast live on WMAN 1400 AM, while DRM Productions will record video which will be made available on Richland Source as well as WMAN.
The editorial teams at Richland Source and WMAN, as well as representatives from Richland Young Professionals will serve as debate moderators. Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker, his challenger Dr. Ron Abrams, and Shelby Mayor Steve Schag have already confirmed their attendance. Schag’s challenger Harold Shasky has been invited, but has not yet confirmed.
Perhaps Margie Tasseff of WMAN radio says it best. “This will be a very important election and voters need to be well informed before going to the polls. We feel by bringing this debate to our audience we can accomplish that goal.”
On behalf of all the partners, we invite you to mark your calendars for October 20, make plans to attend the debate, form informed and thoughtful decisions, and then turn out in record numbers to cast your vote on election day.
All the best,
Jay
