MOUNT VERNON —City residents have more choices for City Council representation in the November election than they have seen in recent memory. With contested races in the Fourth Ward and the At-Large seats, voters have tough decisions to make and a local media effort hopes to help make those voting decisions easier.
In a collaborative effort between the Mount Vernon News, KnoxPages.com, WNZR and WQIO/WMVO, debates have been scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 3, for candidates of both races as well as a forum with city officials to discuss the proposed income tax levy. Mount Vernon Nazarene University will host the political forum at Foster Hall inside the Ariel Arena. The event will be broadcast on big screens in the hall and will be livestreamed at MVNU.TV.
The night will kick off at 7 p.m. with Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis, City Auditor Terry Scott, and Finance Committee Chairman Sam Barone fielding questions from the media about the city’s finances and the requested 1/2 percent income tax levy.
As long-time Fourth-Ward Councilman John Fair, Democrat, has decided not to run for re-election, At-Large Councilwoman Susan Kahrl, Democrat, is attempting to make the move to fill the void. Political newcomer Jeff Gotke, Republican, will challenge her at about 7:35 p.m.
At 8 p.m., five candidates for the three at-large seats will vie for votes as two incumbents — John Booth, Democrat, and Janis Seavolt, Republican — are challenged by Donald Bovinett Jr., Democrat; Christopher Menapace, Republican; and Matt Starr, Republican.
Questions about the proposed levy or for candidates can be sent to Marty Trese, Editor, KnoxPages.com, P. O. Box 1171, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 or emailed to Editor@KnoxPages.com. No questions will be taken from the audience.