By Pepper Parr
October 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
What is believed to be the largest audience ever for a political debate in Burlington is now available on line.
Will crowds like this listening to the debates get out and vote. And will this election make a difference?
Standing room only
The audience is estimated to be about 400 people – if the Fire Marshall had been aware of the event he might have shut it down – too many people in the space.
While there are forces in the city that have no time and will not traffic with ECoB _ Engaged Citizens of Burlington – the public clearly wants this level of engagement – city hall notwithsttanding.
My wife & I, as well as a friend attended. The event which was sponsored by ECoB was conducted with objectivity and respect for all candidates, and was highly informative. The incumbent is not running in Ward 2, so it may be an apples to oranges comparison with Ward 4, 5 and 6 debates, but I suspect NOT. Incumbent Councillors who boycotted those events, in my opinion, did not do so because they feared that they would not be treated fairly by the facilitator (ECoB) but because status quo which they represent is under attack, not easily defended & hopefully on its’ way out!