Ross DiBello

Candidates seeking to replace Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in this year’s election gathered Tuesday for a mayoral debate that ranged in topics from housing and healthcare to government transparency and racial equity.

After the only Republican who had entered the race withdrew after not submitting enough valid signatures, the remaining candidates are all Democrats.

The requirement of 3,000 signatures from registered voters, more than other major cities in Ohio, is an endeavor that takes significant planning, coordination and man power.