Ward debates attracting voter attention, GSTA says

Michael Rocha, president of the Greater Sudbury Taxpayers Association said today he is pleased at how well the 12 ward debates organized by his group are proceeding.

The Greater Sudbury Taxpayers Association (GSTA) is hosting moderated debates for each of the city’s 12 wards during this municipal election campaign. The first two debates were held in Ward 1 and Ward 3 this week.

“We set out to create a forum that was fair to the candidates and allowed them to communicate their message, but also allowed the voters the opportunity to ask the questions that mattered most to them," Rocha said. "The format is working very well thus far and it is very encouraging to see voters very active and engaged in the election process.”

The Ward 1 debate attracted more than 150 people by the GSTA's count.

The debate for Ward 6 residents takes place Sept. 25 at the Golden Age Club in Hanmer (26 Côté St.) at 7:00 p.m.

Ward Debate Schedule (start time is 7 p.m.):

Sept. 25: Ward 6, Golden Age Club, 26 Côté St., Hanmer;
Sept. 29: Ward 4, Azilda Lions Hall, 3964 MR#15;
Sept. 30: Ward 5, Jean Paul II, 1795 Main Street, Val Caron (change of venue);
Oct. 2: Ward 2, Copper Cliff Curling Club, 39 Veterans Road;
Oct. 7: Ward 8, NORCAT, 1545 Maley Drive;
Oct. 9: Ward 7, Capreol Legion, 16 Young Street;
Oct. 16: Ward 10, Lockerby Legion, 2200 Long Lake Road;
Oct. 20: Ward 11, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 76, Minnow Lake, 1553 Weller Street;
Oct. 21: Ward 12, Croatian Hall, 571 Kathleen Street;
Oct. 22: Ward 9, Grace Hall, 468 Antwerp Street, Coniston.