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Tonight at Kennedale High School, the first and only forum for candidates running for Kennedale City Council and Mayor will held from 6 to 8 p.m in the school’s auditorium (enter on the stadium side of the building) at 901 Wildcat Way in Kennedale. {{more: continue … }}?
This is a must attend event if you are still trying to figure out who and what each candidate stands for in their respective races. The forum is hosted by the Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce and moderated by the League of Women Votes.
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Voters have choices …?
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Last year?s election was tectonic in its outcome as three sitting candidates were replace with brand new council members. This year promises to be just as important as two council members have stepped aside, opening their positions for new faces. In addition, there is a race for mayor.
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This mayor’s race pits two incumbents with the sitting mayor, Brian Johnson, being challenged by current council member, Jan Joplin. Joplin was elected for the first time last year to the council for a two year term. Johnson has served as mayor since 2015.
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The format of the forum this year allows for written questions being submitted by the public at the forum. Besides answering questions, each candidate will be given time to introduce themselves and give their reasons for seeking office.?looking to the future …??Whatever happens on May 5th, it will be up to some new faces on the council to address the divide that has splintered Kennedale.?Hopefully, what you hear tonight are no more charges of corruption and lies which has been used by both sides equally to mind-numbing effect, but talk of the future and how Kennedale can get there from here. The current state of things is not substainable and it isn’t Kennedale.?will there be no shows …
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Last year the forum was one-sided as no challenger showed up. (Later the Kennedale News was informed that one candidate had had a death in the family but nothing was heard from the other candidates).
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Hopefully, this year all the candidates will find a way to make it to the forum. It is important, especially in such a divisive atmosphere, that candidates are seen and heard by as many voters as possible and not just supporters.
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Being a candidate is not easy. It takes a willingness to put yourself outside your normal circle and to be able face challenges and challengers with openness and candor. If you are not naturally a public figure, it can be taunting. To walk into a room where you know that you face those who oppose you as well as support you, takes character.? Kudos to those who accept the challenge.?
Candidates who have been invited (listed by order of ballot):
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Mayor:
- Jan Joplin
- Brian Johnson
City Council Place 2:
- Lary Adkins
- Chris Pugh
City Council Place 4
- Timothy Brestowski
- Linda Rhodes
Sunday Old Town Stump Speaking and Community Social …?There will at least on more chance to meet all these candidates, plus those running for KISD school board, on April 22.? It will be under less formal circumstances with a Sunday afternoon in the Town Center Park.? It is? “old fashion stump speaking” and greeting of the candidates, sponsored by the Kennedale News.? It will be from 3-5 pm with candidates at campaign tables willing and able to meet and visit with all that come by.? Read more?Important dates: Early voting starts on Monday, April 23, 2018 and continuing through Tuesday, May 1.? Election Day is Saturday May 5, 2018.?
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