"La Voz Latina Is Powerful" Hosts Final Candidate Forum Ahead of May 19 Primary

With less than a week remaining before Georgia’s May 19 primary elections, Latino community leaders gathered mayoral and city council candidates at the Columbus Public Library for what organizers described as a critical conversation about representation, access, and inclusion for the region’s growing Hispanic population.

The event, titled La Voz Latina Is Powerful, was organized by Impulse Leadership in partnership with The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper and the Tri-City Latino Festival. Organizers said the forum was designed to give Latino residents a direct platform to address concerns they believe are too often overlooked during local election cycles.

Jose R. Quinones, founder and chief financial officer of Impulse Leadership, said the Hispanic community wanted candidates to hear firsthand about the challenges many Latino families face in Columbus.

“It is important for all demographics to be present to ensure that they are all being taken care of,” Quinones said. “The candidates got a little taste of what the Latino community is lacking and what we are looking for leaders to address moving forward.”

Candidates answered questions focused on healthcare access, food insecurity, workforce development, youth programs, economic opportunities, and representation within local government.

Organizers said all candidates running for City Council Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and At-Large District 9 were invited to participate. District 3 candidate Zach Lee, District 5 candidate Charmaine Crabb, and candidates for District 1 did not attend.

Among mayoral candidates invited, Mark LaJoye and Chris Breault were absent, while mayoral candidate Isaiah Hugley was represented by surrogate Bennie Newroth.

Moderator Von Marie Cardona said the discussion highlighted what she described as a growing disconnect between the Latino community and city leadership.

“It was really an eye-opener,” Cardona said. “This was the first candidate forum I’ve participated in, and I feel like it was important because there is definitely some disconnect between the Latino community and the city of Columbus.”

Panelist Raquel M. Aponte said the forum reflected the increasing visibility and influence of Latino voices in local civic affairs.

“It really shows me, especially in the times we’re in right now, that our voices do matter and that we are being taken into account,” Aponte said. “It was encouraging to hear candidates talk about keeping projects culturally relevant, not just for the Latino community, but for all communities.”

Quinones said the broader goal of the event was to push for equal access to resources and opportunities across Columbus neighborhoods.

“We want a better community where all of us are served at the same level,” Quinones said. “It’s not about who has more money or who has less money. It’s about access to the basic things every human being should have, especially within our Latino community.”

Organizers said the format differed from traditional candidate forums because participants received questions in advance. The approach, they said, was intended to measure which candidates took time to prepare thoughtful and informed responses. Candidates were evaluated on a scale of one to five based on the depth and substance of their answers.

Moderators and panelists included Cesar F. Bautista, Raquel M. Aponte, Emilio Rosa, Sophie Torres and Von Marie Cardona.

Candidates participating in the forum included:

City Council Candidates

• Jake Golden, District 3
• Sherrie Aaron
• Robert Wadkins, District 5
• Chiara Richardson, District 7
• Becca Zajac, District 7
• Cathy Cook
• John Anker
• Rocky Marsh
• John Van Doorn

Mayoral Candidates

• Jaketra Bryant
• Joanne Cogle
• Steve Kelly
• Bennie Newroth representing Isaiah Hugley

Organizers said the forum was part of a larger effort to increase civic engagement and encourage greater Latino participation in local elections and public policy discussions throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.