On Feb. 16, voters who live in Ward 5 of Columbus will select the person who will represent them on the city council.
The special election was called in January to replace two-term councilman Kabir Karriem, who resigned to become District 41 representative in the Legislature.
Typically, interest in special elections is low, not only in term of voter turn-out, but often among potential candidates.
At last count, there are 3,175 registered voters in Ward 5 and while how many of those voters will go the polls cannot be accurately predicted, we see some encouraging signs.
First, there is a large and diverse field of candidates. Cadarral Eddings, Gary Jefferson, Stephen Jones and Marthalie Porter provide voters real choices. Each has his/her own strengths, qualifications and objectives and, no matter the outcome, all candidates are to be commended for offering their services to city government.
Whether it is choosing a flavor ice cream or a council member – more choices provide voters a real opportunity to attain the outcome they desire. And, a large field of candidates sparks a broader interest in local government, always a good thing.
We are also pleased to note Ward 5 voters will have an opportunity to find out for themselves what each candidate has to offer. On Saturday, a candidates’ forum will be held at the Hunt Museum (924 20th St. N.) at 3 p.m. Each candidate will make an opening statement, followed by a question-and-answer session.
The candidates have done their part, and we are grateful that an opportunity has been provided to hear from each of them.
Now, it’s up to the voters of Ward 5. If you want a real voice in how our city is governed, we encourage you attend the forum. Listen, ask questions and carefully consider what each candidate brings to the table.
Then on Feb. 16, we urge every voter in Ward 5 to go to polls and make an informed choice on which candidate will represent their voices on the city council.
The people of Ward 5 – candidates and voters alike – have an opportunity to be a model for the municipal elections that will be held next year.
Let’s make it a model voters in every ward can be proud to emulate.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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