Cogle Declines to Attend April 16 Mayoral Forum Hosted by Courier Eco Latino, Davis Broadcasting

Invitations to participate in The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper and Davis Broadcasting, Inc. 2026 Candidate Forum Series were extended in January, providing candidates ample time to place the events on their calendars ahead of the May 19 election.

Despite that early outreach, mayoral candidate Joanne Cogle responded on April 13—just three days before the scheduled mayoral forum—stating, “Unfortunately, I am unable to attend as I am attending another event.”

Wane A. Hailes, president and publisher of The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, said the timing of the response makes clear that her absence will not be due to a lack of notice, but rather a matter of priorities. He added that such a decision sends a troubling message to the Black and Brown communities these forums are designed to serve—communities that depend on direct access and engagement from those seeking to lead. Especially as we seek to elect a new mayor.

The candidate forums are intended to provide voters with direct, unfiltered access to those seeking public office—offering an opportunity to hear candidates’ positions, ask questions and evaluate their readiness to serve.

For many voters—particularly within communities of color—such absences represent more than a missed appearance; they signal a missed opportunity to engage, to listen and to be present. And on Election Day, that absence may be answered in kind: if candidates do not show up for the community, the community may choose not to show up for them.