ALLIANCE — The Regula Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement at the University of Mount Union hosted a Meet the Candidates Night on October 7. The open house featured 19 candidates running for local elected positions on November 2 and allowed citizens to get to know those seeking positions.

“We aim to offer a range of opportunities to educate voters during National Voter Education Week and throughout the year,” said Abby Schroeder, director of the Regula Center. “The candidates are eager to meet the people they will represent if elected and we are happy to provide the time and space for them to do so.”  

Candidates who made reservations and attended the event include:

• Kristopher Bugara, Jack Madison and Phillip Mastroianni for City of Alliance Council-at-large
• Sheila Cherry for City of Alliance Ward 1 Member of Council
• Cindy King for City of Alliance Ward 2 Member of Council
• James Edwards City of Alliance Ward 4 Member of Council
• Guy Aumend, Daniel Moore and Mike Pauli for Lexington Township Trustee
• Lori Kumler for Alliance City School District Member of Board of Education
• Carolyn Gabric, Karen Humphries, Cathy Krupko, Marie Millard and Mark Ryan for Marlington Local School District Member of Board of Education
• Luke Cowles, Matthew Misch, Kathleen Purdy and Jonathan Swift for Marlington Local School District Member of Board of Education Unexpired Term 12/31/2023

Throughout the event community members were able to visit each of the candidates individually and gather literature they had available. 

“The mission of the University of Mount Union speaks of responsible citizenship.  We were pleased to host all local candidates through the outreach efforts of the Ralph and Mary Regula Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement,” said University president Thomas Botzman. “Our campus is a place where ideas are exchanged as we work toward a better today and tomorrow for all in our community.”

Additional programming related to voter engagement and education is planned throughout the year and details are available at mountunion.edu/umuvotes.