High interest in civic election

Municipal Election Day, Nov.5, is fast approaching. After several months of campaigning, mayoral and council candidates have made effort to connect with residents to hear the various issues and concerns that will serve to formulate respective goals and objectives during the next four-year mandate of city council. With five mayoral candidates and many council candidates from which to choose, it is sure to be an exciting election.

It has been my experience that the residents of Charlottetown are very engaged during this election, evidenced by comments and discussions at the door, a large turn-out for both mayoral debates, as well as for the Charlottetown Downtown Residents Association Ward 1 question and answer session held on Oct. 18. It is hoped that the high degree of engagement among residents will result in a higher than usual turn-out at the polls. There is speculation that we might reach and perhaps even surpass the 60 percent voter turnout mark.

Candidates have been working hard to provide choices, so please, for whichever candidate best resonates with you, be sure to embrace the race and cast your ballot.

While I can attest that the decision to run for public office is not made lightly, there are tremendous positives within the campaign process itself and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate and to engage with so many residents.

Congratulations and best wishes to all candidates who have chosen to participate in the 2018 municipal election.

Ron Dowling,

Candidate, Ward 1, Charlottetown