Blandford-Blenheim Debate

Thursday, 9 October 2014 23:51

Building infrastructure, curbing firefighting costs and keeping taxes low were topics at the Thursday debate in Drumbo.

BLANDFORD-BLENHEIM - Around 200 people were in attendance for the Blandford-Blenheim all-candidate debate.

The Lion's Club moderated the event which was held at the Drumbo Agricultural Society. Candidates were given 5 minutes for opening remarks, however it was the constituent questions that got things heated. The top concerns among residents were the sewer/waste water situation in Princeton and available seniors housing in the township.

Current Mayor incumbent Marion Wearn responded saying "the only way to reduce water rates is through conservation." First time council candidate Jordan Kent announced he plans on lowering water and sewer bills if elected. Mayor Wearn added that sewer rates are set by the county and that the municipalities have limited power to influence decisions.

Another top concern brought up by residents was seniors housing in the township. Many seniors had to move outside of the township to get affordable living and accessible healthcare.

TWEETS

Bruce Banbury proposes "one town hall meeting a year rotating towns" #blandfordblenheim #candidatedebate
— 104.7 Heart FM (@1047HeartFM) October 9, 2014Around 200 people in attendance at the Drumbo Agricultural Society for the Blandford-Blenheim candidate debate pic.twitter.com/YsvRHNH73d

— 104.7 Heart FM (@1047HeartFM) October 9, 2014

Tonight is the First All Candidates Meeting of the Campaign. At the Drumbo Agriculture Hall at 7PM. See you then! #votekent #onpoli
— Jordan Kent Campaign (@KentCampaign14) October 9, 2014

Residents said the debate was positive.

"Gave me a chance to get to know the rest of them (candidates)"
"I thought it was an excellent turnout, there were obviously a lot of people in the township that are interested in the election and I thought all the candidates did a wonderful job"
"At least with this (debate) you have a chance to see how they present themselves.

Mayoral candidate Marion Wearn noted the high attendance. "I thought it was an excellent debate, it was an excellent turnout, some of the questions I hadn't anticipated but they certainly were good questions."

Other mayoral candidate Jeff Glendinning had this to say. "I thought there was some good points brought out, overall some of the candidates were a little more comfortable than others."

As for if the debate changed any constituent’s minds.

"Umm no."
"This is where I usually make my decision and no I think who I thought I was voting for is still the same."
"I think its made it more complicated, I have to do a little more research and learn a bit more about the candidates."
"It gave me an opportunity to give some more thought to it."

Those interested in the advanced poll can go to the municipal office in Drumbo on October 18th from 10am to 4 p.m.