March 06, 2019 at 07:39PM
People in South Bend got their first look at the crowded field of candidates hoping to become the city's next mayor.
Several of the Democratic candidates took part in their first forum at IU South Bend tonight (Tuesday).
Only seven of the nine candidates came out, but that didn't stop the public from coming out.
Hundreds of people filled the auditorium; every seat was full.
There were even two overflow rooms at max capacity, as everyone eagerly waited to hear each person's vision for the future of South Bend.
"We have this mix of brand new candidates and those who have served and been elected and served office," said Elizabeth Bennion, moderator. "It's exciting to hear all of the different views."
These different views included topics such as the public education system, one of Jason Critchlow's biggest focus if he were to be elected.
"I went to South Bend Schools, my kids went to South Bend schools," said Critchlow. "We need a cheerleader for mayor. We need a mayor who's going to be a cheerleader for the South Bend public school system and talk about the great things that are happening."
Others like Oliver Davis focusing on building up the neighborhoods.
"I think one of the biggest focuses is making sure we do up our corridors, spread the love we have downtown and to help the outside areas as well as our neighborhoods," said Davis.
Fresh viewpoints were shared about what's best for the city, but some visions stayed the same from what's already being done.
James Mueller, who was recently endorsed by Mayor Pete Buttigieg, wants to continue the mayor's efforts.
"I've been working alongside him the past three and a half years so a lot of the direction and the vision of the city, I share with him," said Mueller. "I want to continue to build on the progress."
Nine candidates are going forward, some more politically experienced than others.
But they all want to write the next best chapter for South Bend.
"It's a crowded field," said Mueller. "There are nine of us, so any opportunity to differentiate ourselves and show what we believe and where we want to take the city...we welcome more of these opportunities down the road."
So far, only one Republican has entered the race, Sean Haas.
Buttigieg will meet the Democratic candidates on March 14.
You can watch part of tonight's debate below:
People in South Bend got their first look at the crowded field of candidates hoping to become the city's next mayor.
Several of the Democratic candidates took part in their first forum at IU South Bend tonight (Tuesday).
Only seven of the nine candidates came out, but that didn't stop the public from coming out.
Hundreds of people filled the auditorium; every seat was full.
There were even two overflow rooms at max capacity, as everyone eagerly waited to hear each person's vision for the future of South Bend.
"We have this mix of brand new candidates and those who have served and been elected and served office," said Elizabeth Bennion, moderator. "It's exciting to hear all of the different views."
These different views included topics such as the public education system, one of Jason Critchlow's biggest focus if he were to be elected.
"I went to South Bend Schools, my kids went to South Bend schools," said Critchlow. "We need a cheerleader for mayor. We need a mayor who's going to be a cheerleader for the South Bend public school system and talk about the great things that are happening."
Others like Oliver Davis focusing on building up the neighborhoods.
"I think one of the biggest focuses is making sure we do up our corridors, spread the love we have downtown and to help the outside areas as well as our neighborhoods," said Davis.
Fresh viewpoints were shared about what's best for the city, but some visions stayed the same from what's already being done.
James Mueller, who was recently endorsed by Mayor Pete Buttigieg, wants to continue the mayor's efforts.
"I've been working alongside him the past three and a half years so a lot of the direction and the vision of the city, I share with him," said Mueller. "I want to continue to build on the progress."
Nine candidates are going forward, some more politically experienced than others.
But they all want to write the next best chapter for South Bend.
"It's a crowded field," said Mueller. "There are nine of us, so any opportunity to differentiate ourselves and show what we believe and where we want to take the city...we welcome more of these opportunities down the road."
So far, only one Republican has entered the race, Sean Haas.
Buttigieg will meet the Democratic candidates on March 14.
You can watch part of tonight's debate below:
