Huron Chamber Finalizes Candidate Conversations Schedule
The Huron Chamber of Commerce has finalized a six-event Candidate Conversations series that will give residents across Huron County an opportunity to hear from and meet the people seeking election to their local municipal councils.
Each evening will have two parts. The first half will feature a moderated Candidate Conversation with candidates seeking positions that also represent their municipality at Huron County Council. The second half, Candidate Connections, will bring together all municipal council candidates for an informal meet-and-greet with residents.
The full schedule builds on the Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and Goderich events first announced in July, with four additional events now confirmed:
- Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh: Wednesday, September 9, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Kingsbridge Centre
- Goderich: Sunday, September 13, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., The Livery
- Bluewater: Monday, September 28, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Zurich Community Centre
- South Huron: Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., South Huron District High School
- North Huron: Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., F.E. Madill Secondary School, Wingham
- Huron East: Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Seaforth Public School
Candidate Conversations is designed as a conversation rather than a traditional political debate. Candidates will respond to questions from a moderator and have time to explain their priorities, perspectives and approach to municipal leadership. Questions will cover both local and Huron County issues, reflecting the two levels of responsibility carried by the positions involved.
Depending on the municipality, candidates seeking these positions appear on the ballot as Mayor, Reeve, Deputy Mayor or Deputy Reeve. Those positions also carry a seat on Huron County Council. Focusing the moderated portion on this group makes it possible to explore both local and county-wide responsibilities in meaningful depth, rather than dividing the available time among a much larger number of candidates.
At the same time, Candidate Connections is an important part of every event. All candidates for municipal council are invited to participate, including candidates for local councillor positions who are not part of the moderated conversation. Residents will be able to meet candidates directly, ask questions and learn more about their campaigns and priorities.
The six events are being held in municipalities where voters have a contested race for at least one position that represents the municipality at Huron County Council. County Council representatives in Central Huron, Howick and Morris-Turnberry have been acclaimed.
The discussions will not be limited to business issues. Questions may address taxation and municipal spending, housing and development, roads and infrastructure, health care and emergency services, community safety, recreation, agriculture, economic development, planning, governance and other issues affecting residents and communities.
The Chamber is also inviting residents to help shape the conversations. Questions, concerns and topics can be submitted in advance for consideration by the moderator. They do not need to be written as formal questions. Residents can simply identify an issue they believe candidates should be discussing.
More information about the format and events, along with the Submit a Question or Topic button, is available on the Chamber’s Candidate Conversations page.
All Candidate Conversations events are free and open to the public. No registration or Chamber membership is required.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across Huron County, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.
