Political junkies rejoice…a debate between all of this year’s municipal candidates for council and mayor has been confirmed.
Douglas Campbell, board chair for Seniors on the Bow (SOTB), is planning the debate for either Oct. 2, 9 or a combination of both, depending on how many Cochranites enter the fray. So far, four incumbents have given the event thumbs up.
Campbell said the debate would feature each mayoral and council candidate, and would address a variety of municipal topics, such as the economy, environment, social issues and recreation.
“Our group is generally very civic-minded,” said Campbell of the 300 members of SOTB, who have a mean age range of 62-77.
So far, candidates for council include Tara McFadden, Jeff Toews and Ross Watson, all running for re-election, and Dan Cunin, Gaynor Levisky and Morgan Nagel as new faces in the race. For mayor, Cochrane residents can choose between David Smith, Joann Churchill and Ivan Brooker.
Campbell said the opportunity for residents to be part of a candidate debate is critical for voters to make an informed decision on who to vote for come October.
Campbell said that although many of this year’s candidates are taking to Facebook, Twitter and creating websites to get their messages out, a debate provides the chance for those who are not as computer literate to ‘size-up a person’s skills.’
“Our forums are a good way to determine that,” said Campbell.
Campbell, who has organized several debates at SOTB, including one for last year’s provincial election, said members of the seniors centre are residents who have chosen Cochrane as a place to retire and have contributed to the economy all their lives.
The debate will feature an open question period for those in attendance, and depending on the number of people who come out for the event, Campbell may implement a cue-card method, tackling each topic one at a time.
Although he admitted to wanting to create a few fireworks during the debates he organizes, Campbell said he feels that anyone who elects to run for public office deserves to be respected for their decision to serve, which is why he takes the debates very seriously.
“I try very hard to keep it neutral,” he said.
