Candidates’ Forums and Debates 2012 Municipal Election
David Robert Loblaw’s Reginaelection.com is the resource for election information. For official inquiries, see the City of Regina’s election web page.
At one point, Mr. Loblaw intended to run for mayor in this election. In time, he decided his role should be bringing out the vote. He decided not to run and put his energy into informing the electorate about candidates.
Here are the dates for forums and debates Mr. Loblaw’s has compiled on his website:
Tuesday, October 2 Mayoral & Ward 2 candidates – 7:30pm
Hosted by: Lakeview Community Association
Location: Lakeview Elementary School, 3100 20 Ave
Wednesday, October 3 Mayoral candidates – 7-9pm
Hosted by: University of Regina Students’ Union
Location: Multipurpose Room, Riddell Centre
Wednesday, October 10 Mayoral candidates – 7pm
Hosted by: Heritage Community Association
Location: Trinity Lutheran Hall, 1909 Ottawa St
Thursday, October 11 Mayoral candidates - 7-9pm
Hosted by: Cathedral Area Community Association
Location: Community Centre, 13th Ave & Retallack St
Monday, October 15 Ward 3 candidates – 7pm
Hosted by: Heritage Community Association
Location: Trinity Lutheran Hall, 1909 Ottawa St
Monday, October 15 Ward 1 candidates - 7pm
Hosted by: Whitmore Park Community Association
Location: All Saints Anglican Church Hall, 142 Massey Rd
Tuesday, October 16 All ward candidates, Open House - noon-3pm
Hosted by: Canadian Federation of Students (Sask)
Location: AdHum pit, AdHum Building, U of R
Tuesday, October 16 Ward 3 candidates – 7-9pm
Hosted by: Cathedral Area Community Association
Location: Community Centre, 13th Ave & Retallack St.
Wednesday, October 17 Mayoral candidates - 12:30-2pm
Hosted by: Canadian Federation of Students (Sask)
Location: Multipurpose Room, Riddel Centre, U of R
Thursday, October 18 Mayoral candidates - morning
Hosted by: Regina & District Chamber of Commerce
Location: Conexus Arts Centre
I had a problem with the 2009 election: most people did not seem to care. There were a few forums in some of the wards but not even one public mayoral debate. This was the second municipal election I had paid much attention to and the level of discussion was really disappointing.
In the weeks after election night, I kept wondering who was responsible for fostering debate? Was it the media? Groups like unions, the Elks club or Chamber of Commerce? Institutions like the University of Regina? Community associations? Private citizens? The city of Regina?
I figured they all had a role to play, but during the 2009 election the efforts on the part of these and other actors was uneven across the city. I went to 2 debates in ward 3, but there were none in ward 1. Most voters were not given the opportunity to see candidates defend their positions to each other in one place, at one time.
I had a thought that RUE could help/partner with groups in fostering some of these exchanges. I did not, however, work at this over the summer as I had planned. It would be fair to say, I’ve completely dropped the ball as far as the 2012 election goes.
That is why attending the All Candidate’s forum (pictured above) on September 25th was such a welcome experience. The gym at the Regina Christian School was full of people taking in the one hour mayoral candidates’ forum and then mixing for another hour with all candidates.
The event was not perfect, but it was able to inform the public on what the different candidates stand for. I certainly had a better idea who I might vote for afterwards.
The turnout for candidates was good, with some notable exceptions: Michael Fougere was the only mayoral candidate who did not attend; while incumbents John Findura, Chirs Szarka, Wade Murray and Terry Hincks also absent.
I would encourage everyone to attend one of the forums or debates listed above during the next few weeks.
