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Boycott mars first election candidates forum
had stated they would not attend as a pro- test over the way the event was organized. All candidates invited were notified they would also have a specific number of “invi- tations” to use to help encourage people to attend the forum. Several candidates alleged the “invita- tions” system would or could encourage audience bias during the forum towards one or more of the contenders running for council this year. Gareau has stated that was not the intent of the “invitations” offer, that it was meant to encourage voter turnout to the forum. A second candidates forum, organized through co-sponsorship from the Clarence- Rockland Chamber of Commerce and the Clarence-Rockland Construction Associa- tion, was scheduled for Oct. 21 at the River- Rock Inn. It was the last chance for voters to meet their potential representatives on city coun- cil either before Election Day on Oct. 27 or when they cast their ballot earlier in the week by phone or Internet through the cy- ber voting system that the City of Clarence- Rockland is using this year. It also became an eleventh-hour oppor- tunity for City Hall staff to explain to voters about the latest glitch to sabotage that sys- tem. Infrastructure improvements, budget control, and finding ways to spur economic development were the three main topics that candidates focused on during the Oct.
15 forum.
see an end to the discord at City Hall so that council can start addressing issues of con- cern.
GREGGCHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
Claude Vachon (Ward 1)
Marc Prudhomme (Ward 5)
“You are my bosses,” said Vachon, the first candidate to speak at the forum. “My goal is to build a vibrant and enjoyable commu- nity.” He noted that several roads in Ward 1 are “in great need of improvement” and his pri- orities include creation of a cycling bypass to deal with traffic safety concerns in the neighbourhood. Vachon also wants council to host more public meetings to inform and involve residents in decisions on key issues. “The best thing we can do for the city’s best interests is to manage our money,” said Berlinghette, adding that a municipality that shows fiscal responsibility will find it easier to attract new investment. He argued that planning for infrastructure improvements should follow good budget management. “What’s most important is I would like to defend the interests of Clarence Creek at council,” said Montpetit, asking why most of the new development takes place in Rock- land. The Ward 5 candidate said he wants to François “Frank”Montpetit (Ward 5) Charles Berlinghette (Ward 4)
CLARENCE CREEK | All 23 contenders for seats on city council in Clarence-Rockland in this month’s election were invited for the first of two meet-the-candidates fo- rums. But less than half of them showed up. The Wednesday night event in the up- stairs mezzanine of the Clarence Creek Are- na saw 10 candidates, including incumbent mayor Marcel Guibord, seated at the tables and ready to introduce themselves to the audience of about 80 voters attending. The attendance at the candidates tables mirrored the turnout on the spectators’ side of the room with people occupying less than half of the estimated 200 chairs set out for the audience area. With a few young exceptions, almost all of those attending the forum to hear and quiz candidates were either middle-aged or seniors. “I am satisfied,” said Carmelle Gareau, the forum organizer, regarding turnout for the event. Gareau has been involved often in the past as a volunteer organizer of candi- dates forums for local elections. But controversy dogged this year’s event before the chairs and tables were set up for the evening Oct. 15. Many of the candidates who were absent
“For too long our local government has been divided,” said Prudhomme. “It is go- ing to take people willing to work together across the aisle.” The Ward 5 candidate said residents need a council “with real vision” and the confi- dence and resolve to make that vision real. “We need to work together,” he said, “to find long-term solutions for long-term goals, instead of quick fixes.” “I have shown that I amwilling to tell it like it is,” said Riopel, referring to her editorship of the fortnightly Focus Prescott-Russell. Riopel listed bachelor degrees in psy- chology and education along with a back- ground in accounting as part of the expe- rience and training she would bring as a ward councillor. She listed fiscal prudence and infrastructure among her priorities. “When funds are limited, and they al- ways are, budgeting is important,” she said, adding later in her speech that “Ward 6 is Sylvie Riopel (Ward 6)
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