Whoever gets the nod Thursday night will be socially liberal and make the region’s economic woes a priority. That’s the takeaway from questionnaires seven of the candidates filled out over the weekend. Some highlights from potential nominees: Reverend Marvin McMickle says economic success could come from expanding the Port of Cleveland. Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia Fudge says she’d hope to serve on the appropriations committee to acquire resources for local projects (some would call those earmarks.) And, former state lawmaker C.J. Prentiss says she’d prioritize increasing urban high school graduation rates.
Executive committee member Tracy Turoff developed the questionnaires with the help of a small group of decision-makers. She says there were few surprises in the responses.
TUROFF: The only surprise would be positive in that they were really thoughtful on foreign policy issues which was a surprise because few of them have ever really had to deal with foreign policy issues.
All the candidates voiced support for Israel. Responses differed, though, on how best to deal with recent tensions with Russia. Candidate Melody Stewart wants NATO to play a part in resolving conflicts in Europe. Michael Ryan praised the current administration’s handling of the Georgia crisis. And, Fudge says world leaders must act together to address Russia’s aggression.