Ferguson fighting for seat

SANDUSKY — Patricia Ferguson hopes the adage "third time's the charm" comes to fruition. Ferguson, a longtime Sandusky resident, is vying to, once again, become a city commissioner. She tried in 2011 and 2013 but came up short in both instances. Ferguson represents one of five candidates seeking to join Sandusky's city commission heading into 2026. In preparation for the upcoming election, the Register has reached out to all city commission candidates so they can share information about themselves and their reasons for running. Note: All other candidates in this race answered a standardized questionnaire in full. Ferguson, however, only partially answered one question — Who are you? — noting she'll respond to the others at an upcoming debate involving these candidates. "Sister Patricia, gifted by almighty God, to serve his son. Matt 28:19, 20," she wrote. • In 1980, she became licensed to serve as a missionary. • In 2000, she was licensed to serve Evangelist by the Second Baptist Church. • In 2002, she served on the Sandusky community event known as FunDay for 11 years. "A commissioner is an elected public servant, and Patricia Ferguson started at age 5 serving at home," Ferguson said. "Home is always first." City commission roundup In Sandusky city commission's race, five people are competing for three seats: • No incumbents are seeking re-election: Dick Brady and Dennis Murray Jr. can't run because of term limits, and Steve Poggiali won't attempt to win another four years in office. • Five challengers all want to fill these three open seats: Patricia Ferguson, Gregg Peugeot, Tim Schwanger, Tom Tucker and Luvada Wilson. The top three vote-getters win four-year terms starting in January. There are four city commission members — Jeff Krabill, Richard Koonce, Kate Vargo and Dave Waddington — whose seats are not up for election this term. They will continue their duties on the board until their terms expire in 2027. In-schools debate To learn more about each candidate and the issues important to them and the student body, watch the return of this year's in-schools debate series. Sandusky Central Catholic School will host the Sandusky city commission debate on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The public cannot attend this specific debate. Viewers, however, can watch the debate in its entirety at sanduskyregister.com and the Register's YouTube channel shortly after the event concludes. Students representing St. Mary Central Catholic High School will pose questions to the candidates. The in-schools debate series is sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership. Confirmed dates for this year's series: • Edison school board — Sunday, Oct. 12 • Perkins Township trustee — Tuesday, Oct. 14 • Sandusky school board — Wednesday, Oct. 15 • Sandusky city commission — Wednesday, Oct. 22