South Bend voters go speed dating with mayoral candidates

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — On Tuesday, candidates running for South Bend mayor participated in an event similar to speed dating with potential voters. 

The American Democracy Project at Indiana University at South Bend hosted the event called ‘candi-dating,’ with seven of the ten mayoral candidates. Dr. Elizabeth Bennion said the event gave voters one on one time with the candidates.

“And ask those last questions that they have on their mind before making a choice on Election Day,” she said. 

May’s primary election will decide which candidates from the Democratic and Republican party will move forward to the general election in November. Sean Haas is the only Republican candidate in this year’s race. The following are the Democratic candidates: 

• Lynn Coleman
• Jason Critchlow
• Oliver Davis
• Shane Inez
• James Mueller
• Salvador Rodriguez
• Will Smith
• Richard Wright
• Regina Williams-Preston.

Smith, who is facing multiple criminal charges in several counties, did not attend tonight’s event. Wright and Inez were not in attendance as well. 

“I get things done,” Williams-Preston said. “I have a track record of work in this community.”

Each candidate spent seven minutes at a table filled with potential voters, then rotate to other tables. They asked questions and listened to each candidate give their pitch. 

“I am a part of the 54 percent,” said Rodriguez.

Mueller said the City has a lot more to do and it cannot stop now. While Coleman said he was experienced, tried, trusted and true. 

“If we want jobs to come back we need to fix the infrastructure,” Haas said. “We need to fix public safety and education.”

Voters said the listening to the candidates’ specific solutions or broad pitches helped them a lot. Early voting began in Indiana on Tuesday. 

In St. Joseph County, the county clerk reports 34 early votes were cast. 

“I work with the east side, west side, north side,” Davis said. “I’m ready to serve and I”m ready to lead.” 

Critchlow said he knows the City can achieve the goals if every voice in every neighborhood is included in the City’s future.