Portia Williams | Daily Times

Marie Hoover, candidate for judge in 4th District Court of Appeals addressing audience, one of 10 other political candidtes who spoke at the “Meet the Candidates” event at the 14th Street Community Center Tuesday.

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Portia Williams

PDT Staff Writer

The 14th Street Center hosted “Meet the Candidates Night” Tuesday. Seventy-five people came out to gain more insight about the political candidates for the upcoming election.

The event was started with the sounds of jazz, light reception, and basketball for those who chose to participate. Members of the community were given the opportunity to interact with the political candidates face-to-face.

According to Dr. John Valentine, who currently serves as the Treasurer for the 14th Street Community Center Board, invitations were sent out to the candidates from the Republican and Democratic Parties.

Maxine Malone, Executive Director of the 14th Street Community Center said that the event was a success.

“I am just very pleased with tonight’s event. We wanted the community to be able to put a face with the signs that they see. I believe that the information which was shared was very helpful in helping people make their voting decisions,” Malone said.

Amongst the candidates who spoke at the event were, Charles Horner and Steve Goins, for Scioto County Sheriff, Gail Harris-Alley, running for Scioto County Recorder, Marie Hoover for Judge of the Fourth District Court of Appeals, John Haas for 90th District State Representative, Jerry Buckler, J.B Marshall, and Jay Willis all for Domestic Relations Judge, Tom Reiser and Dan Rachford for Scioto County Commissioner.

Each candidate shared background information, which included their education, family, history of residing in Scioto County, and their experience for the office in which they are campaigning for.

Janet Langford, assistant to Mayor David Malone, and member of the 14th Street Community Center Board, said she liked what transpired during the event.

“I think that this event was good. We did not have as good a turn out as we would have desired. I was pleased with the responses that the audience had, really good questions were asked. Some of the questions were poignant, and I think that it is important,” Langford said.

Malone said that the 14th Street Center plans to continue to host events of this nature to ensure that community is cognizant of the political platforms of the candidates, and to empower voters to cast intelligent votes.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 234 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com