Mayoral candidates square off during televised debate Oct.12

Greater Sudbury residents will be able to find out Oct. 12 what some candidates for mayor have to say about the issues and challenges facing the city for the next four years.

The debate, organized by Northern Life and Eastlink, takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be aired live on Eastlink Channel 10 television.

“We are really looking forward to engaging voters and candidates in a pro-active and meaningful debate,” Wendy Bird, managing editor of Northern Life, said.

Residents can submit questions for the event to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 11.

Whether the issues are high taxes and poor city services, lack of support for seniors or few opportunities for youth, or needed civic projects, the public can expect each candidate to present his or her views on making Greater Sudbury a better place in which to live and work.

Candidates who have confirmed their participation include incumbent John Rodriguez, Ward 8 Coun. Ted Callaghan, arts and culture promoter Derek Young, and Vale health and safety supervisor Marianne Matichuk.

The program will be moderated by former Eastlink news anchor Marianne Zadra.

The debate will feature opening remarks by candidates, general questions from a media panel comprised of Bird and Eastlink news anchor Stewart Gagan and a public question segment that will include e-mailed questions from the citizens. The program will end with closing remarks by the candidates.

Northern Life will have follow-up video coverage on www.northernlife.ca/election2010.

“We encourage people to continue the debate by commenting on our website at NorthernLife.ca, where we have a 2010 election web page,” Bird added.

The site address is www.northernlife.ca/election2010.