Local organizations hold virtual forum for voters to get to know Milwaukee's 7 mayoral candidates

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time in 18 years Milwaukee residents will elect a new mayor. Seven people are vying to hold the position. The candidates are Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, former Alderman Bob Donovan, Ieshuh Griffin, Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Sheriff Earnell Lucas, Michael Sampson, and State Senator Lena Taylor. 

The primary for the special election will take place on Feb. 15, and two candidates will advance to the general spring election on April, 5, 2022. 

Early voting for the primary begins on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. 

For those still looking to learn more about all of the candidates, local organizations have come together to host a virtual forum. It will take place tonight, Jan. 31, 2022. You can register to watch or ask the candidates a question here. 

This isn't the first time all seven candidates will be in the same place. Over the weekend, they all came together for a Firkin Beer Tapping at Black Huskey Brewing. 

A few of the key topics on everyone's minds are the city's rising homicide rate and reckless driving. Opportunities and policing were brought up often when CBS 58 asked the candidates about their platforms over the weekend. 

“We have to work within our community to build strong neighborhoods and build strong families and get more jobs and opportunities to people,” Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

"A reformation of the police department that we can allocate some resources and get some more officers on the ground it's going to go a long way to help our city out," said Sampson.

"Those that are out here carrying illegal firearms, creating acts of violence in our community and we have to work within our community to build strong neighborhoods and build strong families and get more jobs and opportunities to people," said Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas. 

"We've got to in the end give people access to opportunity. If people don't have access to opportunity we're going to... not be able to change anything," said Senator Lena Taylor. 

"Let me say this. I cannot believe how much Milwaukee has deteriorated in just the last two years. It's really frustrating to so many people," said former Alderman Bob Donovan. 

Candidates also say they plan to combat Milwaukee's stolen vehicle issues as it leads the nation.

Tonight's forum will start at 7:00 p.m.