TOLEDO, Ohio — WTOL 11 and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, in collaboration with Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the YWCA of Northwest Ohio, are set to host a pivotal Lucas County Commissioners candidates' debate on Thursday, October 17, from 5-8 p.m. at the Main Library atrium.
This event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from the candidates: Commissioner Pete Gerken and Tom Waniewski, as well as Commissioner Anita Lopez and John Rozic. The debates will be moderated by WTOL 11 anchors Jeff Smith and Caylee Kirby.
The debate can be attended in person at the Main Library or viewed live on WTOL 11's free streaming app, WTOL 11 Plus, or on the WTOL 11 YouTube channel, website or mobile app.
Event schedule:
- 5 p.m. – Doors open; attendees can peruse tables featuring Lucas County ballot issues.
- 5:45 p.m. – Debate with Commissioner Pete Gerken and Tom Waniewski, moderated by Jeff Smith.
- 7 p.m. – Debate with Commissioner Anita Lopez and John Rozic, moderated by Caylee Kirby.
Voters can text questions they have for the commissioner candidates to 419-248-1100. WTOL 11 will gather questions and deliver them to the debate; there's no guarantee every question will be used.
In addition to the debates, attendees can explore a tabling expo at the library featuring key Lucas County issues that will appear on the ballot. This includes state issues, levies, bond issues, charter amendments and other property tax-based measures. This is an excellent chance for voters to gather critical civic information to make well-informed decisions at the polls.
If you are a person with disabilities or need support or reasonable accommodations to participate in any library events, contact the library staff at 419-259-5200 within a week or two of the event taking place.