PORTAGE | Wednesday's candidates forum was to be the only head-to-head meeting between mayoral candidates in the May 8 Democratic primary.

But it ended up being a showcase for one of the two candidates remaining in the race.

Steve Charnetzky, the city's street department superintendent, didn't show.

"He withdrew earlier in the day," said Chris Stidham, executive director of the Portage Economic Development Commission, which sponsored the event at Portage High School. Stidham said Charnetzky offered no explanation for not attending.

That left the opportunity to his opponent, City Council member Olga Velazquez.

The event allowed primary election candidates, including 15 of 19 running for City Council, a two-minute introduction, followed by a question and answer period.

Velazquez joked about her opponent's absence as she was asked questions.

"I'm disappointed my opponent is not here to give me a break to think about it," she said as Stidham asked her questions about her vision of the city, infrastructure needs and the one thing she'd change about the city she wants to lead.

Candidates in most council contests had a moment or two to think about each question as their opponents took turns on the floor.

While more than 100 people packed the large instruction room in the high school's new addition, most were there to support their candidates. Velazquez had a large contingency wearing her campaign's blue and gold T-shirts.

There were several firefighters and police in attendance. Two firefighters and two police officers are running for council seats.

Issues varied, but some rose to the top. Council candidates discussed their views on everything from managing growth to tax abatements, crime, drainage and bringing jobs to the city.

Velazquez touted her skills in leadership, her service to the community and her vision for the city's future.

"You have to have the vision to balance the growth, the vision to work with our citizens to make the city move forward," she said.

The one thing she'd change about the city is the "attitude of the community."

"We need to value communication and problem solving rather than polarization," she said.

A moment of silence marked the absence of Dave Highlands, who died unexpectedly April 25. An 18-year member of the City Council, he was a Republican mayoral candidate.