Standing-Room-Only Crowd Packs First “Countdown to Change” Candidate Forum

A standing-room-only audience filled the City Council Chambers at the City Services Center on April 2 as Davis Broadcasting, Inc. and The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper hosted the first installment of their 2026 Candidate Forum Series.

The opening forum featured candidates seeking election to Columbus City Council Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7, drawing strong community interest and engagement from voters across the region.

Candidates in attendance included District 1 candidate Simi Barnes; District 3 candidates Sherrie Aaron, Zack Lee and Jake Golden; District 5 candidate Robert Wadkins Jr.; and District 7 candidates Laketha Ashe, Chiara Richardson and Rebecca Zajac. Noticeably absent were District 1 candidate Karen Gaskin and District 5 incumbent Charmain Crabb.

Wadkins, a challenger in District 5, expressed frustration with his opponent’s absence.

“This was the seventh forum where I have been present and my opponent has been invited but failed to show up,” Wadkins said. “It is important for voters to see and hear from those seeking to represent them. District 5 deserves better, and Columbus deserves better.”

Barnes also addressed her opponent’s absence, noting the importance of community engagement.

“For someone seeking to represent a majority African American district, it was concerning that she did not feel it important to be present and listen to constituents,” Barnes said.

The forum featured a panel of leaders from minority civic, faith-based, business and social organizations, who posed questions centered on key issues impacting the community. Organizers said the format emphasized direct engagement between candidates and voters, along with issue-driven discussion.

The event was moderated by Geniece Granville, vice president and general manager of Davis Broadcasting, Inc., and Wane A. Hailes, president and publisher of The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper.

The forum was broadcast live on WOKS AM 1340/94.1 FM and K92.7 and livestreamed on the newspaper’s Facebook page, expanding access to residents unable to attend in person.

Organizers encouraged continued community participation in the series, noting that the next forum April 9^th would feature candidates seeking the at-large District 9 seat.