The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce says hundreds of people met one-on-one with the city’s mayoral and council candidates on Thursday night.
“We decided to refrain from a debate-style event as we heard that people didn’t get questions answered to the issues that mattered to them”, says Donna Backer, Interim President and CEO of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. “It’s next to impossible to get a true understanding of each council candidate’s position when there are 29 people on a stage trying to debate an issue.”
The Chamber says many questions related to homelessness, drug and opioid crisis, capital projects like the arena, taxes and accountability at City Hall.
“We hope the evening was a positive and educational experience for the public and the candidates. One that will help shape decisions for voting our future mayor and council,” says Backer.
The North Bay Elks Lodge is hosting two events on Saturday, Oct. 15.
A meet and greet is scheduled for 1 pm to 4 pm that afternoon, followed by an evening session of mini-debates, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
The public can submit questions to [email protected]
Officials say the event is free, but donations to the North Bay Food Bank will be accepted.
