In-school debate series returns

The Sandusky Register and Norwalk Reflector are bringing their in-school debate series back in front of local students and teachers this October. Four debates encompassing local- and state-level races are confirmed for next month. The debates are hosted in schools during the school day. Members of the public will not be permitted to attend, but each event will be recorded and uploaded to the newspaper's YouTube channel for people to view shortly afterward. The series is being sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership. "A strong republic depends on an informed voting public, and these debates give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates," John Kridelbaugh, general manager of the newspapers, said. "We're grateful to the Greater Sandusky Partnership for, once again, sponsoring the debates and proud that the format allows local high school students to be part of the process. Our thanks also go to the schools for hosting and to the candidates for participating." Election Day is Nov. 3, and early voting begins on Oct. 6. Here is a schedule of the in-school debate series: Ohio 88th House District • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 14 • Location: Fremont Ross High School Incumbent Republican state Rep. Gary Click is being challenged by Democrat Aaron Jones. Jones serves on the Tiffin city council. Ohio 89th House District • Date: Thursday, Oct. 15 • Location: Perkins High School The incumbent officeholder in the 89th District, state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, announced in August that he would not be seeking re-election. Erie County treasurer and Erie County GOP party chair Caleb Stidham won the Republican nomination, which is currently being challenged in a lawsuit. Also in the running are Democratic nominee Easton Retzke and write-in candidate Steve Kraus. Huron County commissioners • Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20 • Location: Norwalk High School There are two separate commission races featuring four candidates: incumbent commissioner, Republican Terry Boose, is being challenged by Libertarian and Plymouth Mayor Cassaundra Fryman. In the other race, the incumbent commissioner, Republican Bob Morgan, is being challenged by independent Kevin Rasnick. Erie County commissioner/Erie County auditor • Date: Thursday, Oct. 22 • Location: EHOVE Career Center This combined debate will feature the candidates for Erie County commissioner — incumbent Republican Steve Shoffner and Democratic challenger Mindy Kayl — and the candidates for county auditor, incumbent Republican Rick Jeffery and Democrat Paul Meisel.