Welland voters, candidates mingle
Too many people choose their candidate on election day because they’ve “heard of that person” and aren’t as informed as they should be, says Welland resident Donna Labute.
One of the many people who attended a meet and greet hosted by Welland-Pelham Chamber of Commerce for voters and contenders in the Oct. 22 municipal election, she and her husband have been attending council meetings or listening online, but getting some face-to-face time is also a great opportunity, especially for those who might not be as caught up on the issues.
“I just think not enough people know what’s going on in our backyard,” she said.
When provincial and federal contests are held in the region, candidates are more recognizable — possibly because voters are more interested in upper levels of government, she said.
But Labute feels local issues hit the closest to home and are just as important.
“I think it’s the dollar that’s closest to your pocket,” she said.
The Ward 2 resident said her mind is mostly made up when it comes to the names she will mark on her ballot, but she still had some unanswered questions.
“I have a few I know I’ll vote for, but there are gaps,” she said.
Mariann Zorgel was wearing two hats at the meet and greet — one as a resident and the other as integration co-ordinator for Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre.
“It’s a night where I kind of want to interview the candidates,” said Zorgel, who feels poor road conditions are the biggest issue in the city.
Working for an agency that supports newcomers to Canada, she wants to hear from candidates who she feels will work closely with the organization.
“I just want to make sure the clients I serve feel welcome in the community, and that their voice is heard,” she said.
Shirley Cordiner, a contestant in the Ward 1 race, said events like the assembly of hopefuls and incumbents on Monday night at Auberge Richelieu are excellent opportunities for voters to become informed, and for candidates to share ideas.
“Other than going door to door or going to
events, that’s the only way you’re going to meet people,” said Cordiner, who was Fort Erie’s regional councillor from 2006 to 2010.
Ryan Huckla, another firsttime entry, also for Ward 1, said the open house held less than four weeks before the voting day lets candidates and electors understand what the “pulse” of the city is . He said the pool of candidates in the city’s various races are a great indicator of what’s ahead.
“By being here right now and connecting with possible future councillors and residents, we’re looking at a very bright future,” he said.
There are 45 registered candidates in Welland’s city council, mayoral, regional council and school board races. The chamber said 36 of them were in attendance on Monday.