Election #6 Another Debate (A Good One This Time)

I normally would not have gone to a second local debate but the one I attended a week or so ago was so disappointing (as was the leaders' debate) that I felt the need to go out again to see if I could get a better feeling for the candidates that I will have to choose from.

I am pleased to say that the debate last night was pretty good. The fact that it was in a theatre with great sightlines, really comfortable seats and lots of legroom may have had something to do with my satisfaction but there was also a better format and a great moderator. As well, there were only four candidates on stage. I am not sure if other candidates were not invited or if some of the candidates have realized that they did not have a chance of being elected and have dropped out of the race. But having fewer people on stage meant that there was more time for questions.

There were three questions posed by the local chamber of commerce (the sponsors of the evening) and the other 24 questions came from participants at the debate. 27 questions is a lot to get through, but because the session lasted for almost two and a half hours - no one seemed to feel rushed. The range of questions included ones about abortion, the economy, the environment and a number of questions about local issues including the opioid crisis, the need for treatment centres and for affordable housing. It was a much wider range of question than were available at the other debates that I witnessed. It was of course not a debate. Each of the four candidates answered the question and in general avoided discussing another party's platform or track record in part because if another party was mentioned then that candidate got extra time to rebut the comments. But there was sufficient time for all to speak and to indicate their party's position.

The other well-designed thing about the event was the fact that someone had control over the microphones and as soon as an individual candidate had used their time - the microphone was turned off. This meant that there was no cross-talk. The national debate organizers could learn from this technique.

After the last two debates, I wondered if there was any point in watching them. I am now convinced that there is a way to have the candidates on the stage, speaking to the people. And that is good news.