Debate time on Monday, Sept 24

All candidates invited to participate, including the 2 running for Mayor

By Mark Schadenberg

It's about 4 weeks before the election in Woodstock, and debate time with an all-candidates evening scheduled for Monday, Sept 24 at 6:30 p.m. at UNIFOR Hall on Beale Street.
As the hours leading up to the event wane, I'm wondering if the difficult part is writing a 3-minute speech or is it compiling enough information and/or opinion on the various questions that could be asked. Each participant will be given 1 minute to answer the questions and the format will rotate giving each person an opportunity to be first and last in the order. 
What are the main topics of discussion -- issues concerning the voters in Woodstock?
Some issues have ties to the County of Oxford, which adds a wrinkle as I'm running for a City Council seat only, but fully realize everything in the County is integral. Oxford topics include the County garbage landfill, the proposed GTA landfill by Walker, water sources, affordable living, county roads and infrastructure such as bridges, along with boundary adjustments.
The talk of taxes is important as municipally collected dollars go to Woodstock, Oxford and an education portion. City treasure Patrice Hilderley was kind enough to pass along these percentages - 64% goes to the City, 24.5% to the County and 11.5% is raised for education.
Wish me luck. I don't believe - by the way -- that it's possible to over prepare.

Vote for Mark Schadenberg on Oct. 22.
Send me your questions on hot topics for voters.
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com