Voters mingling with candidates at the Beban Park Social Centre on Thursday, Sept. 22. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

election season

Hundreds show up for meet and greet with Nanaimo civic election candidates

Sep 23, 2022 | 2:15 PM

NANAIMO — It wasn’t a typical pre-election debate Nanaimo voters are used to, but that didn’t seem to matter to those looking for more information.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce hosted a meet and greet event on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Beban Park Social Centre.

Thirty-five of the 45 candidates vying for a position on Nanaimo City Council or a trustee position with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools attended the two-and-a-half-hour event.

Chamber president Kim Smythe said with so many candidates in the running a traditional debate wasn’t practical.

“I think a lot of people were dubious about the process and the format,” Smythe conceded as the event winded down where an estimated 300 to 400 people showed up.

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NanaimoNewsNOW talked to several voters about the candidates and got their thoughts on the format.

Most people seemed to appreciate how the evening was structured.

“It was very different, I was not prepared for it, I thought there was going to be some speeches, but I like it. I’ve been able to talk to people at every table,” one man said.

Another voter was split on how the event was put together.

“I like the idea of a formal debate, but I’m open to the opportunity to be able to sit and talk with candidates.”

Candidates had their own assigned tables set up with chairs where voters made their rounds for informal conversation.

Twenty-nine candidates are hoping to secure one of eight City Council seats, while four contestants are after the mayor’s position.

Seven council contenders are running for re-election in Nanaimo.

Twelve candidates are vying for a school board trustee position in District 68.

Municipal elections happen around the province on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Advance voting opportunities take place on Oct. 5 and Oct. 12.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes