DISCUSSION: SNITCHLER SURFACES TO TOP?

At a "Meet the Candidates" night at the 25th Street "North Branch" of the Stark County District Library (not sponsored by the library), Republican 50th District candidate distinguished himself as the most polished candidate of the four present.

Snitchler's opponent, Celeste DeHoff had the dubious distinction of being the least impressive of the candidates. Although she had her "handler" present (Shane Jackson, Stark County Democratic Party political guru? and party chair confidant Johnnie A. Maier's main political man), she appeared to be out of her league.

DeHoff stumbled on substance and style. She seemed to read from prepared text answers to questions posed. Nevertheless, answers were often wide of the mark of the question asked.

After Snitchler, it was closer as between Republican Richard Hart and Democrat Stephen Slesnick (52nd District). Hart seemed to have the edge on style (more composed) whereas Slesnick might have had the more detailed answers on substantive matters. But whether or not Slesnick had a substance edge is certainly arguable.

The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) did make videos of the event, but is undecided as to whether or not it is worth The Report's readers time to look at even snippets. That's how uninteresting this event was.

All of which raises this question.

Are "Meet the Candidates" nights an effective use of the the candidates' time, the voters' time? What has been your experience?