MANSFIELD, Ohio – Mansfield’s largest and perhaps most significant political debate in many years will happen on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Renaissance Theatre on Park Avenue West at 6 p.m. The debate between incumbent Mayor Tim Theaker and Democratic challenger Dr. Ron Abrams is free and open to the public, though reserved seating is recommended.
The debate is presented by online local news outlet Richland Source in cooperation with an extensive list of collaborators. Mansfield’s historic Renaissance Theatre will serve as the host.
The debate will be broadcast live on WMAN 1400 AM, while DRM Productions will record video which will be available on Richland Source and WMAN. The editorial teams at Richland Source and WMAN, as well as representatives from Richland Young Professionals and the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce will serve as debate moderators and volunteers.
The candidates will answer prepared questions from the moderators in addition to spontaneous questions from the audience and social media.
The debate organizers believe Mansfield, as well as all of Richland County, is at a crossroads of sorts. It faces deep-seated problems including 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 the city center. The new mayors will have to address the issues and seize the opportunities simultaneously, according to the debate organizers.
Richland Source Publisher Jay Allred explains what drew his team to collaborate with others and organize what they think will be a “must attend” political event.
“Since my family moved here in the late 1980s, Mansfield has been negotiating with the ghosts of its heavy manufacturing past and all that had been lost. Now, in 2015, the city’s leadership has a chance to write a new story of resurgence through dynamic and visionary leadership. Voters need to understand what these candidates intend to do with that chance,” he said.
Margie Tasseff, market manager of WMAN radio said, “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.”
Tickets may be reserved by calling the Renaissance box office at 419-522-2726, Tuesday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Editor’s note: For more on how leadership in the mayor’s office can make cities work, Richland Source recommends this great article in The Atlantic. Author James Fallows examined cities in 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.
