Reservations now are being taken for two debates among the Democratic candidates for Akron mayor.
The seven Democratic candidates for Akron mayor in the May primary have been invited to the debates. Those who meet the debate criteria will be eligible to participate.
The Akron Press Club, Ideastream Public Media, Akron Beacon Journal/BeaconJournal.com and the Ohio Debate Commission are collaborating to engage voters in the 2023 Akron mayoral through the debates.
The first debate is Wednesday, April 5, 2023. It will be an Akron Press Club luncheon at Quaker Station. 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.
Reservations are required for the lunch and for those who wish to attend but not have lunch. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Michael Shearer, Akron Beacon Journal/BeaconJournal.com editor and regional editor northern Ohio – USA TODAY Network, will moderate this debate. A panel of journalists will ask questions of the candidates. The panel consists of Anna Huntsman, Ideastream Public Media reporter/producer; Cheryl Powell, Akron Beacon Journal/BeaconJournal.com managing editor; and Mark Turner, Ohio University assistant professor of journalism.
The second debate will be April 12, 2023. It will be held at the Akron-Summit County Public Library on High Street. The debate will start at 7 p.m. and last 90 minutes. It is free and open to the public.