All Candidates Meeting - September 17th

Democracy is alive a well in Midland. From a field of 27 in the running for Council positions, 22 attended the All Candidates debate at the MCC this past Wednesday. There was a good mix of youth and those with years of municipal experience - a broad choice for the people of Midland.

It was interesting to hear most of the candidates come together around the three topics that have been front and centre in my term as mayor:

• Economic development and jobs
• Fiscal management and taxes
• Development of the Midland Bay Landing property

Many of the candidates' statements were complementary of the work that has been accomplished, especially our new Economic Development Corporation and the Midland Bay Landing purchase. Others pointed to the work remaining to be done. But there was no fundamental disagreement.

A few candidates went on the offensive with personal attacks - Jonathan Reid indicated that he could have chosen a better Council by picking names from the phone book. Stephan Kramp caused a stir when he stated that there had been a legislation change that would add an additional $8-10 million to the Midland Bay Landing Project. (The Town of Midland has since confirmed that there has been no such change and that the original public announcement stands. Refer to “The Facts About the Unimin Lands Purchase”.)

All in all a good start to the political debating season.