You’ve likely seen their campaign signs, followed them on their official websites and may even have had one or more of them visit you at your home. But on Thursday, the public will have the chance to hear first-hand from all six people seeking to be Wheeling’s next mayor as we host an event from 6-8 p.m. at West Virginia Northern Community College’s B&O Building to learn more about those seeking to lead the city forward — and the vision they have for the city’s future, if elected.

As we note in a story on today’s front page, the candidates seeking to be the next mayor are Dennis Magruder, Beth Hinebaugh, Chad Thalman, JT Thomas, Rosemary Ketchum and Carl Carpenter. The winner of this race — early voting begins May 1 for the May 14 municipal election — will take office on July 1.

While it’s true Wheeling’s mayor is just one vote on the seven-member city council (Wheeling’s charter directs a city manager form of government, which means council employs a full-time professional manager to tend to the city’s day-to-day operations and decisions), Wheeling’s mayor is still considered by the public as the city’s leader. The mayor presides over council meetings, and typically is able to take credit when positive developments are announced in the city.

The mayor also fields complaints and takes the blame when things go awry. Consider the current shape of downtown Wheeling: Mayor Glenn Elliott has taken grief for years concerning the state of downtown streets, even though he could do nothing more than ask the West Virginia Division of Highways to fix them. Former mayors Andy McKenzie, Nick Sparachane and Jack Lipphardt dealt with the same issues.

Being Wheeling’s mayor is challenging but also highly rewarding. And with the city and the region poised for a great future — we surely hope you feel the energy and positive momentum throughout town, as we do — the next mayor will have the opportunity to work with council and the city manager to build upon what those mayors have created over the past 28 years. Wheeling needs continued forward-thinking in how we attract employers, deal with upgrading available housing, handle dilapidated properties such as the Clay School, craft the right direction concerning the city’s homeless — and more.

We hope that you can join us and the candidates from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at West Virginia Northern Community College in downtown Wheeling.