Oregon forum to still be held despite candidates declining

Despite several candidates declining to participate, including one mayoral candidate, the Oct. 30 Oregon City Council and Mayoral Candidate Forum at Clay High School is still on as scheduled.

Steven Salander, who is challenging incumbent Michael Seferian in the race for mayor, declined to participate. Seferian said yes.

In the city council race, where six candidates are running for three spots, Paul Gibbs and Dennis Walendzak have both committed to participate, while the group of Marvin Dabish, Paul Drake, Thomas Lambrecht, and Terrance E. Reeves all declined.

The 6 p.m. event, sponsored by the Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce, is the lone official forum for all the candidates before the election. It is intended to give voters a chance to get to know each candidate and where they stand on key issues. Candidates will have a chance to introduce themselves as well as answer questions.

“Despite lack of candidate commitment, we’re planning to move forward with hosting the forum as scheduled,” Jen Kurtovic, the Chamber’s executive director said. “It’s already been advertised, we’ve received thoughtful questions from the community, and we want to honor the commitment of those who have confirmed their attendance.”

The forum will be moderated by Richard Johnson, the president of the Chamber’s board of directors. The questions will not be known by the candidates ahead of time, and residents can submit questions ahead of time to director@embchamber.org.

“This forum is part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for civic engagement and informed dialogue for our citizens,” Kurtovic said.