All candidates election forum brings in large Nanaimo crowd as election day draws nearer

They describe the model as “a 21st century approach to meeting key social needs, while ensuring we do not exceed the ecological limits of Earth’s life-supporting systems.”

The question prompted candidates two candidates to draw connection between the model and the World Economic Forum (WEF), which they said wanted “the elites” to turn our communities into “smart cities”, which would mean the end of privacy.

While that topic was not on the list of questions, some audience members appreciated those views.

“I think they’re very brave individuals to get up there and say their piece like that, and I was pretty impressed.” said one Gabriola Island man who attended the event.

His wife agreed and was glad to hear the mention of the WEF.

“They all had good points of view and they spoke intelligently, and articulately, and interestingly…I think the topics were good, and I like some of the topics that were brought up that were not on the sheet (like the WEF). I just really appreciated those other points of view.”

For others, like a woman in her early 20s originally from Germany, it was her first time hearing from any of the candidates and was a little surprised by the WEF comments.

“I’m all for the World Economic Forum. We have our own climate change projects here, so we work with the guidelines they set, so yea, that was interesting.”

However, not everyone was impressed with the list of questions.

One retired woman said she thought she was “in the Twilight Zone”.

“Because they are all focused on one tight area. I wish they had open questions…and I feel the public should be able to ask questions and not questions designed and fed to them.”

She said she wanted to hear the candidate’s ideas for dealing with crime and homelessness in the community, topics which were not directly discussed at the event.

Other attendees echoed her concerns.

A husband and wife who only moved to Nanaimo a month ago from Vancouver were happy to hear about the environmental concerns, but wish they had gotten into more social justice issues.

“We’re very concerned about supportive housing, not just housing. Just because you have mental health issues doesn’t mean you’re a criminal, just because you’re homeless doesn’t make you a criminal, just because you have drug dependencies doesn’t make you a criminal, these are the things we’re concerned about.”

Candidates had a minute to answer each question, a limit which was strictly enforced to ensure each candidate had a fair and equal chance to answer.

Some audience members said the time limit made it difficult to get a good idea of their plans.

“Not as succinct as I would have liked them to have been. I would like a little bit more definite plans rather than vague ideas,” said one woman.

The formal portion of the event wrapped up after a few hours, with some candidates sticking around to mingle and ask questions after.

Most audience members seemed to be pleased with the way it turned out.

“I thought it was really informative, and really changed my mind on some of the candidates, and I was really well educated from the answers to their questions, I took lots of notes. I know more know who I’m going to vote for,” said one woman.

Municipal elections happen around the province on Saturday, Oct. 15. Advance voting opportunities take place on Oct. 5 and Oct. 12.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow

by Jordan Davidson

All candidates election forum brings in large Nanaimo crowd as election day draws nearer

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