NEWARK – Mayoral candidate Jeremy Blake kicked off his campaign Thursday night telling supporters Newark needs transparent city government and a mayor who represents all the people and all the neighborhoods.

Blake, a Democrat representing the 2nd Ward on City Council, gave a rousing speech before more than 100 supporters at The Grove By The River, emphasizing challenges such as chronic homelessness, public transportation and affordable housing, and his support for neighborhood policing, block watches and a government welcoming to everyone.

Newark voters will choose this fall between Blake, a councilman since 2014 and former Newark School Board member and president, and the incumbent Republican Jeff Hall, who seeks a third term leading the city after serving as city treasurer.

"Together, we can and will finally put the interests of our people, all of our people, ahead of the interests of a powerful few," Blake said. "Together, we can and will make Newark a place where all of our neighborhoods are successful. It is time to give our neighborhoods, all of our neighborhoods, the same attention we give to the downtown."

Blake said a city that respects all its people, and makes its streets safer, neighborhoods stronger, large and small businesses more prosperous will not only keep its residents here but attract new ones.

"Out there tonight, a lot of little girls and boys are watching," Blake said. "They're watching us. And they're seeing the beginning of something, well, a little different. They're seeing a city reborn, a city where it doesn't matter what color you are, where it doesn't matter who you love, just as long as you love with all of your heart."

Blake said he's seen the pain and heard the heartbreaking stories of the growing homeless problem in the city. He heard one man tell him of taking a homeless person into his home. He heard of a veteran living on the streets near Hudson Avenue. And he discovered his own cousin was homeless.

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"Over the past few months, every single day, I've been reminded, sometimes painfully, that our campaign, our work, matters," Blake said. "I have seen tent cities. I have seen those living under the Jefferson Street Bridge.

"But I am hopeful that our grassroots organizations, social service agencies, and government can hear the cries and then, with courage and determination, turn tears into a demand for change, setting up intentional, coordinated efforts to take in folks who are in need, and get them on the proper avenue of care."

Blake, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday, said he knows the challenge of trying to beat a two-term incumbent, but wants residents to know it can be done with lots of help, including a campaign representative from each of the city's 25 precincts.

"We're up against powerful interests, a powerful machine, and a powerful mayor," Blake said. "Let me clearly say to you tonight that we have looked at the data. We have a path to victory. This is a winnable race."

Former Democratic mayors Frank Stare and Bruce Bain, and former County Commissioner Marcia Phelps, the Licking County Municipal Court Clerk, spoke in support of Blake before the candidate took the microphone.

Stare, the city's only three-term mayor, said he saw a leader when Blake was on the Mayor’s Youth Council in the 1990s.

"Jeremy was one of the representatives of Newark High School, and I could tell right there Jeremy was a leader sitting there among those students," Stare said.

Stare said local government has a bigger impact on people's lives than any other level of government, but the incumbent is not looking out for all Newark residents.

"We've seen an administration that's gotten away from the neighborhoods, spending more time looking after special interest groups rather than the middle class and poor class of Newark," Stare said. "Jeremy Blake will be out and about in the neighborhoods. And, I don't know this, but Jeremy Blake will probably move that gazebo back into downtown."

Mayor Hall approved removing the gazebo from the northeast corner of the Courthouse Square, angering some residents who wanted the landmark to remain.

Bain rattled off seven qualities of a successful candidate and said Blake has them all. But, he said one quality is the most important.

"Caring for people," Bain said. "If you don't care, all the other qualities are worthless. Have you ever met a more caring person than Jeremy Blake?"

Phelps pledged her support to help Blake in his campaign.

"It's a pleasure to be here for Jeremy Blake," Phelps said. "He's one of the most wonderful young men I've ever met. With Jeremy, it's not about party, it's about people and issues. He's very knowledgeable and has a love for the city and serving people."

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8545

Twitter: @kmallett1958