Candidates debate to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12

Discussing issues, hearing concerns and planning for Woodstock's future

By Mark Schadenberg

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12

The committee at UNIFOR Local 636 are gracious and community-minded to host an all-candidates debate on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.

The public is certainly welcome.

By the way, it will be a busy day for the 6 hopefuls for mayor as they will have a debate that same morning at 7 a.m. at The Legion.

I look forward to these opportunities as it's certainly a chance to hear some thoughts and ideas from other candidates.

Rogers TV will be there to record the proceedings for play back on community television.

The real reason I calmly and confidently think ahead to this public meeting is that I have 30+ years experience as a researcher, journalist, committee advisory member, volunteer leader and chair of several events, and simply the desire to study and learn all the facets of local government and its accompanying procedures. Therefore, it's a personal moment to impress citizens with my caring attitude, knowledge, connectivity, and love of this wonderful community. I can't begin to explain all the overlaps and policies which must be adhered to in making an important municipal decision. For example, for residential factors they range from intensification to zonings, additional residential units, multi-family properties, (low, medium and high) density, Provincial Policy Statement, provincial More Homes More Choices Act, central business area and entrepreneurial zone, registered easements (Railway and industry such Toyota as just two examples), in-fill parcels, development charges, parking, existing trees, the environment, flood plains, previous precedents . . . and of course the concerns of neighbours. Folks, it is not simple and that's why you elect people who know the guidelines.

The protocols and rules are in place. The one stipulation I like is that props are no permitted, so no candidate can unfurl a map, perhaps, in their presentation.

See you on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

MARK SCHADENBERG