The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association presented ‘The WARD 1 Councillor Candidates’” panel discussion in the Chestnut Hill Recreation Centre. An excellent turn with about 200 hundred attendees, mostly seniors, though there was a scattering of under 35’s.
Moderated well, the 6 candidates introduced themselves and their platforms to the attentive crowd. Every expected issue was touched from taxation to homelessness. Each of the candidates handled responses adroitly and deftly with none blundering in any serious way. Traffic congestion and Pickering’s future were the heaviest topics with every candidate describing these areas as topic of very serious concern for the city.
When asked to describe the biggest mistake current council has made during its term, every candidate was diplomatic rather than evasive avoiding clearly defining any council error.The candidates were of varying degree of polish in their presentations. ddIn no specific ranking as to how well they did, the candidates each displayed knowledge, homework completed and definite preparation for the debate. Abdullah Mir seemed to be the most engaged with his listeners explaining his background and his commitment to the office in a jocular and casual style. Other candidates seemed less self confident showing their lack of experience in this style of campaigning. Jeremy Steinhausen displayed this persona, nervous as expected but he had content in his material.
The most credentialed may have been Michael Samlalsingh whose many years as accountant had him espousing the need for council to be more cognizant and knowledged with finances to work more effetively. Priya Vadivel, the only woman on the panel, has the professional credentials that validate her being there. As a success business owner in Pickering, she clearly explained that her strength is people management and that skill would be put to effective use in dealing with council members. Jamie Nye, an electrician by trade, spoke from the level of a family man and homeowners, emphasizing the problems that Pickering residents have with properties: environmental issues like flooding and parking problems on residentiial streets. The candidate most likely to score tops in the debate with much of the crowd was James Blair. He was polished and adept at presenting organized, well-considered responses and his experience as a public speaker was very evident.
Arguably the most enjoyable part of the debate was when the candidate had to raise raise paddles in unison as response to the moderator’s question. Red side, NO, blue side YES. Two universally YES’d paddle responses were to the questions: Do you have a library card? And, have you ever ridden a Durham Transit Bus. It was a pleasure to see all the candidates confirm they really art active residents in the City of Pickering.
An excellent political presentation that was enjoyed by the many who attended. If the next forums are anything as successful and well done as this one was, we are in for a very interesting and engaging campaign.
