Chillicothe, Ross County & State Districts — Yesterday’s Ross County NAACP “Meet the Candidates Night” was the only local forum to review tax levies and office-seekers, after the cancellation of the local League of Women Voters “Candidates Night.”
The annual event at the Carver Community Center on West 4th Street in Chillicothe was on October 27th, 2026. The LWV event had been scheduled for October 20th but was cancelled “due to health challenges affecting several invaluable members of our Voter Services team, coupled with limited candidate participation.”
Dawn Zarbakhsh, Political Action Chair of the NAACP (also an active member of the LWV), served as emcee for her second year. Adrienne D’Souza, President of the Ross County NAACP, also oversaw the event – and announced her retirement from the position at the end of the term.
The local political parties were represented by Ross County Commissioner David Glass (R) and the Reverend Terry Williams (D). Watch their videos below.
Nick Rose of Chillicothe City Schools explained the second attempt this year for a tax levy to cover school operational costs, and Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney spoke on the second attempt this year for a tax levy for city streets. Also watch their videos below.
Candidates for the 92nd State Representative District, including the east half of Ross County and Vinton and Logan counties, were incumbent Mark Johnson (R), and Sarah Senff (D).
Candidates for the 91st State Representative District, including Fayette County and western Ross County, were incumbent Bob Peterson (R), and Amy Wright (D). See also my story on Peterson’s farm fest and Wright’s self-introduction.
Brian Deer (D) of Ironton introduced himself as candidate for 17th District State Senator. Incumbent Shane Wilkin was not present.
Jen Mazzuckelli (D) of Clermont County introduced herself as candidate for the 2nd U.S. Congressional District. Incumbent David Taylor (R) was not present.
The NAACP did not videorecord or podcast the event.
