Tuesday, October 1, the League of Women Voters of Shaker Heights sponsored a Candidates Forum at the Shaker Middle School. Co- sponsors of the non-partisan event included the Shaker Heights Public Library, Shaker PTO Council, and Shaker Community Associations.
More than 300 voters had the opportunity to meet and hear the candidates for Shaker Heights City Council (pictured left to right) Tres Roeder, Lynn Ruffner, Anne Williams, Mark Zetzer and Rob Zimmerman who are seeking election. The five candidates are vying for three seats for City Council, which pays $9,000.
The three candidates for the three open seats on the Shaker Heights Board of Education are Alex Liston Dykema, Amy F. Fulford, and Annette Tucker Sutherland. The members of the Board of Education serve without pay.
A question and answer period followed each panel discussion moderated by Nancy King Smith. According to League co-presidents Susan Troia and Holly Wang, "The League was proud to sponsor the evening to meet the candidates for City Council and School Board." The dynamic duo continued, “For democracy to work, we must be more than observers, we must be participants.”
The League has produced a Voters Guide, which was mailed to all Shaker School District households. Copies can be found at both Shaker libraries and various locations around the city. Remember, to be eligible to vote November 5, you must register to vote by October 6. You can pick up forms at the libraries to apply for a mail-in ballot or apply online at the Board of Elections at boe.cuyahogacounty.us. To vote early by mail, you must request an application. Shaker Library's Adult Services Manager, Cindy Maxey, noted that Shaker Library registers voters every day.