Local municipal candidates had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their platforms to the public on Tuesday night through a livestreamed event sponsored by Indianola Chamber Main Street.
Although the main event for the night was a debate between mayoral candidates Steve Rosenthal and Kenneth Featherstone, the alderman candidates were also given the opportunities to speak to the crowd prior to the debate.
Ward 1 and Ward 2 incumbents Gary Fratesi and Darrell Simpson are both running unopposed and were not present for the meet and greet.
In District 3 incumbent Ruben Woods spoke about some of the accomplishments the city has experienced during his tenure. "We're doing good, it could be better, but we're holding our own," Woods said.
He is being challenged by Toniesha Lyons-Jones who was unable to attend, but did send a proxy to let the citizens know that she is not looking over them.
Dr. Jessica James is one of three persons vying for the Ward 4 seat currently held by Alderman Marvin Elder. James said she would like to make positive change happen and that she is concerned about the city's reputation. "I know that perception is everything. We can turn things around for the better, Indianola has a lot to offer," she said.
Also challenging Elder is citizen Sharnezz "Dreifus" Smith. He talked about how he got his start in community work at an early age and highlighted all of his community accomplishments and pledged to continue to work for the citizens of Indianola. "So my road didn't just start five years ago or six or seven years ago, but I've been in the community from the beginning of time and it wasn't just because of myself, but because of the people behind me that push me to be something more than what you see in the mirror," Smith said.
Elder reminded the citizens that his reason for running for office four years ago was because he saw a lack of transparency in city government and that he advocates for the entire city. "As an alderman, I speak and help make decisions that affect all of the citizens of Indianola, not just Ward 4," he said.
In Ward 5, only one of the two people challenging incumbent Sam Brock was present at the forum. Carolyn "Mail Lady" McCarthy said she saw the needs of many people in the community while serving as a postal mail carrier.
Brock, who's seeking his second term in office said, "I want to be your voice. The voice of everyone, fairness for all city employees and citizens in the community." He mentioned being dedicated to improving public relations, the city's infrastructure and providing a safer environment with an improved police department.
The other Ward 5 challenger, Rosland Love, was not present for the proceedings.
