The Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association will kick off its "Candidate Conversations" series this month creating an opportunity for candidates to engage with their constituents before the General Election on Nov. 5, 2019. Conversations will be two hours in length at various restaurants in the Meridian-Kessler area. Rather than host debates, each event will feature a casual conversation format with a single candidate.
"MKNA wants to create opportunities for candidates and constituents to engage in more meaningful ways beyond the debate stage," said MKNA Executive Director Chelsea Marburger. "Beyond making connections, MKNA wants to encourage the community to become more civically engaged while supporting local businesses which is why the Association chose to host these conversations at local food venues in the Meridian-Kessler area in each candidate's respective district."
Elections relevant to residents in Meridian-Kessler include:
District 2: City-County Councillor - Currently held by Councillor Colleen Fanning-R
Opposition: Keith Potts-D
District 7: City-County Councillor - Currently held by Councillor Joe Simpson-D
Candidates: John Barth-D and Stu Rhodes-R
City of Indianapolis Mayor - Currently held by Mayor Joe Hogsett-D
Opposition: Jim Merritt-R and Douglas McNaughton-L
As of Sept. 9, 2019, the following Candidate Conversations have been confirmed:
Sept. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Colleen Fanning-R | Binkley's Kitchen & Bar, 5902 N. College Ave.
Sept. 23, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Keith Potts-D | Binkley's Kitchen & Bar, 5902 N. College Ave.
Sept. 24, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Colleen Fanning-R | Binkley's Kitchen & Bar, 5902 N. College Ave.
Sept. 25, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Doug McNaughton-L | Scarlet Lane Brewing, 4601 N. College Ave.
Sept. 26, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Doug McNaughton-L | The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
All Candidate Conversations are free and open to the public. Visit the MKNA Facebook page at facebook.com/MKNAIndy for specific dates, times and locations. Confirmed Candidate Conversations will be posted as received from participating candidates.