CHILLICOTHE — Candidates and representatives of the two local issues on the fall ballot addressed voters Tuesday evening at the Ross County NAACP’s “Meet the Candidates Night” at the Carver Community Center in Chillicothe.
The forum, held October 27 at the center at 165 W. 4th St., was organized by the chapter’s Political Action Chair, Dawn Zarbakhsh. Ross County Commissioner David Glass gave the welcome on behalf of the Ross County Republican Party, and the Rev. Terry Williams gave the welcome on behalf of the Ross County Democratic Party, according to the chapter.
Candidates on the ballot and representatives of the two local issues — Chillicothe City Schools’ levy request and the City of Chillicothe’s streets levy — spoke during the evening. The chapter noted that Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney attended, and that Brian A. Deer, a candidate for State Senate in the 17th District, was among those in the group photograph.
The NAACP forum became the fall’s only local candidates night after the League of Women Voters of Chillicothe-Ross cancelled its own forum, which had been scheduled for October 20 at Calvary Lutheran Church. The League announced the cancellation October 18, citing volunteer health issues and limited candidate participation.
Members of WIN donated refreshments for the evening, Carver Community Center staff hosted, and Greg Griffin served as timekeeper, according to the chapter. Chapter President Adrienne L. D’Souza also oversaw the event.
In its recap of the night, the chapter urged residents who have not yet voted to cast a ballot: “Your vote counts & your vote matters!”
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and polls in Ohio close at 7:30 p.m. Early in-person voting is underway at the Ross County Board of Elections.
