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A few weeks back, I mentioned how we would be seeing the start of major campaigning as we inch closer to the Nov. 5 general elections.
The first big event took place a little over a week ago with a "Meet the Candidates" event hosted by the Hancock and Brooke County Democratic executive committees and the Democratic Women organizations from both counties.
The event at the T. Kosciusko Hall in Weirton included candidates running for U.S. Senate, as well as a couple of statewide offices and one Hancock County office, among others.
In an effort to be transparent, some contacts of mine had provided me with a list of candidates who were expected to be there. I made some loose plans for my coverages as, through my years of experience, I know these things don't always happen the ways in which we would expect.
Of the 13 names provided to me, only six were in attendance. Of those unable to make it, three had unexpected meetings come up, and one had a personal commitment. Some sent letters to be read, while a couple sent a designee to speak on their behalf. There were a couple not there with no explanation.
Glenn Elliott, the former Wheeling mayor facing current Gov. Jim Justice for Joe Manchin's U.S. Senate seat was there, and spoke quite a bit, discussing his history and his hopes for the state. Thornton Cooper, who is seeking to be Secretary of State, pointed out how he had once lived in the area in an effort to make a connection with the audience.
Olivia Dowler, recent graduate of West Virginia University, spoke on various subjects she hopes to address if elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. Dowler is running against incumbent Mark Zatezalo to represent the Second House District.
The audience also heard from Dezso Polgar, who wants to be the next Hancock County Sheriff.
The evening concluded with addresses from Weirton mayoral candidate Dean Harris and Ward 4 Council candidate Kyle Wilson.
That part of the event confused me a little, only because Weirton's city election is classified as non-partisan. I'm all for giving candidates their time and a platform to discuss their campaigns, though. I'm just wondering if all of the city candidates were invited. I saw at least one in the crowd who was not invited to speak, and I've spoken to another who said they would have liked to attend, but didn't think they could.
That brings up a second point.
There was bit of confusion in the way the event was advertised. The initial announcement I saw was composed in a way to indicate a public event, while later announcements appeared to make it open only to registered Democrats.
I don't care which party you belong to. That's not the way to do these. I realize there is a lot of malice in the realms of politics these days, but to exclude someone from attending because of the way they are registered is never a good look.
Honestly, though, if there was some initial plan of exclusion, it wasn't enforced, as there were definitely some individuals I know are Republicans in the audience that night, just as I've seen Democrats at Republican events. I always encourage voters, no matter their parties, to keep open minds and listen to all of the candidates. That can't happen if people feel as if they are not welcome.
There are still opportunities to hear from various candidates.
The Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce continues to organize its mayoral forum, to be held Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Millsop Community Center. Invitations have been sent out to all four of Weirton's mayoral candidates, with the chamber working to verify all will be in attendance.
Plans are for attendees to submit questions, and to present those questions to the candidates through a random draw from a hat/bucket/other random container. Hopefully, there will be a good crowd in attendance.
I also still anticipate some forum to be presented by the local Republican committee. I just haven't seen an announcement as yet. I have been informed the Hancock County GOP is scheduling a grand opening for the local GOP headquarters next weekend, though.
Nov. 5 will be here before we know it. We'll see how it all turns out. Also, remember we're about to see signs lining our yards and roadways, and mailboxes filling up with flyers. That's always fun.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @ChowellWDT)