HAGERSTOWN, MD - In an effort to encourage active participation from locals, Washington County's League of Women Voters invited the 14 candidates running for Hagerstown City Office to a forum.
"One of the easiest and best ways we believe to do that is to bring the candidates together to hear what each of them has to say on the issues we'll be voting on," says Barbara Rice, President of The League of Women Voters of Washington County.
All five current City Council members were present as well as the three candidates running for Mayor.
The current Mayor, Bob Bruchey, says, "We've got to figure out new and innovative ways and stop thinking inside this box that we put ourselves in about how to create excitement and opportunities for our people."
Challenging Bruchey, Mayoral Candidate Brian Caron says, "I think very important issues are maintaining occupancy in the downtown businesses and so forth that helps generate some tax revenue and keeping real estate on the move."
"I think Hagerstown needs some bold leadership to rally people around a vision a shared vision that really strengthens our economy, that brings residents to the city who have money in their pockets and are willing to spend it," says the Democratic Mayoral Candidate, David Gysberts.
The turn out was light, but the league made sure hard-hitting questions were asked such as the most recent hot topic, The Hagerstown Suns, and the candidates' plans to revitalize downtown Hagerstown.
With the primary election less than a month away putting the candidates in the hot seat allowed voters another step closer to their final answer.
"One of the easiest and best ways we believe to do that is to bring the candidates together to hear what each of them has to say on the issues we'll be voting on," says Barbara Rice, President of The League of Women Voters of Washington County.
All five current City Council members were present as well as the three candidates running for Mayor.
The current Mayor, Bob Bruchey, says, "We've got to figure out new and innovative ways and stop thinking inside this box that we put ourselves in about how to create excitement and opportunities for our people."
Challenging Bruchey, Mayoral Candidate Brian Caron says, "I think very important issues are maintaining occupancy in the downtown businesses and so forth that helps generate some tax revenue and keeping real estate on the move."
"I think Hagerstown needs some bold leadership to rally people around a vision a shared vision that really strengthens our economy, that brings residents to the city who have money in their pockets and are willing to spend it," says the Democratic Mayoral Candidate, David Gysberts.
The turn out was light, but the league made sure hard-hitting questions were asked such as the most recent hot topic, The Hagerstown Suns, and the candidates' plans to revitalize downtown Hagerstown.
With the primary election less than a month away putting the candidates in the hot seat allowed voters another step closer to their final answer.
