WATERVILLE, Ohio — There was a big turnout at Thursday night's forum when Waterville residents gathered to ask questions from the mayoral and city council candidates.
A lot of the questions from those who came were about the controversial amphitheater, which is no longer happening. A few residents at the forum felt some candidates are in the race because of the controversy with the project.
Hollie Flanner was born and raised in Waterville. She thinks the city should be business friendly and hopes candidates are in the race for more than just one reason.
"This is more than a single sided issue and Waterville has a lot more going on and a lot of things in the future, than possibly what got them involved in the first place," Flanner said. "We need to just have open arms to any business that wants to come to the Waterville area and not scare them away."
The night didn't just focus on the amphitheater. Neighbors in Waterville were also curious to see what happens with land owned by the city.
Candidate Rob Allen, council member Rodney Frey and Incumbent Todd Borowski think it should be developed into housing and retirement facilities. Timothy Pedro, who is the current mayor of Waterville, agrees. Candidate Anthony Garver wants startups, like tech or industrial.
Anthony Wayne Local Board of Education candidate Mike Stamm was in attendance and likes the idea of using public land for homes. He saw positives and negatives on the amphitheater project, but regardless, would like to keep Waterville's small-town feel.
"I thought it was awesome, everyone was very cordial," Stamm said. "I think everyone in Waterville loves the small-town feel. But I do think we need to grow."
Waterville's growth was brought up often throughout the night. Residents resonated with the idea of there being an old Waterville and a new one.
"The village I grew up in is no longer the Waterville that it has become, and I think there are exciting things that are happening in our community," Flanner said. "There needs to be vision for whoever steps up to the plate and serves on our council."
Mayoral candidate Timothy Plowman and city council candidates Matt Harrell and Wayne Wagner did not participate in the forum.
Many people WTOL 11 spoke to don't believe the amphitheater project is dead. They hope another company takes on the project.
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES FROM WTOL 11: