Candidates go toe-to-toe on the issues at lively Nelson mayoral forum
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Anyone thinking the run for Nelson’s top job is going to be a slam dunk had better think again.
Incumbent Deb Kozak and challengers John Dooley and Bernie Brown went toe-to-toe in front of a crowd of more than 250 Saturday at the Prestige Lakeside Resort with all candidates landing direct hits at their opponents during the mayor’s forum.
The evening, sponsored by Nelson Chamber of Commerce, saw the crowd watch as radio news personality Glenn Hicks grill the three candidates vying for the job of Mayor of Nelson for the next four years.
There were no questions from the audience as the format gave Hicks free rein to put candidates on the hot seat with pointed, and direct questions regarding hot-button municipal issues in Nelson.
Topics included mitigation of the forested land surrounding Nelson — an issue captivating the public after the past two years of horrifying fires that have impacted major cities in BC and Alberta — how candidates can ensure residents have access to clean drinking water, housing, the ongoing street culture problem on Baker Street — a topic that saw businesses in Nelson band together to voice their concerns in a full-page ad in the local newspaper — cannabis, the ongoing Stores to Shores project on Hall Street as well as the recent salary increase council voted in for the incoming mayor and council.
Kozak spent most of the night on the defence as both Hicks, with his pointed questioning, and Dooley attacked the incumbent over council’s record during the past four years.
However, Kozak was quick to defend her leadership during the past four years and the many projects current councils has successfully completed.
Brown kept to her campaign platform of raising awareness to mental health, affordable housing and food security.
At times the crowd voiced their concerns with applause or groans as candidates promoted themselves as the best person for the job.
There are two more opportunities for the public to see candidates in action, starting Monday at the Nelson United Church when the West Kootenay EcoSociety, Citizen’s Climate Lobby and Nelson Interfaith Climate Action Collaborative hosts Wildfires & Climate Change Forum beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, the Canadian Federation of University Women and Nelson and District Teachers Association hosts the All-Candidates Forum at Central School.
The evening kicks off a 7 p.m. where voters will be able to see both mayor and council candidates.
Voting Day is Saturday, October 20th.
In Nelson, polls are open at Central School (811 Stanley Street) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There is one remaining Advance Polling Day at 310 Ward Street (second floor) on Wednesday, October 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
