Ridgeway, Crystal Beach candidates forum designed to not be ‘typical’

Ridgeway resident John Florio isn’t interested in another election debate or to hear promises from candidates.

That’s why he’s organized a candidate forum for Fort Erie wards 4 and 5 council candidates as well as mayoral candidates for Thursday evening at Crystal Ridge Community Centre.

“My objective for Thursday night is not to have your typical event,” Florio said. “We’re trying to get the other side of the candidate.”

The types of questions he’s looking to feature pertain to who the candidates are and how they think their experience will make them an ideal choice for voters.

He’s not interested in promises on such things as lowered taxes or stopping development, but rather the actions candidates intend to take.

With a background in executive recruitment for technology and finance companies, Florio said he knows how to assess individuals for a role. He knows what kinds of questions to ask that reveal a person’s soft skills and communication abilities beyond how well they can sell themselves for the position.

He hopes tapping into those skills, plus questions from electors submitted at the event, will help voters make an informed decision come election day on Monday.

“One of the things that I’ll be trying to find out is if (candidates) understand the responsibility of the role and what their opinion is of it,” he said.

Originally, his plan was to host the event for Ward 4 and mayoral candidates only. He said people in that ward are concerned about how the town is functioning overall, but especially in Ridgeway.

Crystal Beach’s Ward 5 candidates ended up being invited to the forum because they are “shoulder to shoulder” with Ward 4, Florio said.

With so many candidates in one room, the plan is to divide them by their wards, then each ward will be called to answer questions. Mayoral candidates will have their own time to respond to questions.

Candidates will also have a rebuttal period if they’d like.

“There’s no trick questions. There’s no picking on one candidate,” Florio said.

Doors open for the event at 5 p.m. (on October 22). This will allow people time to show up and mingle before the question period begins at 6 p.m.

There will be rules of engagement, such as no booing or outbursts.

Florio said all relevant candidates have indicated they will attend. All but one mayoral candidate has confirmed attendance, though Florio said perhaps that final individual will show up anyway.

“We don’t know what to expect on Thursday,” he said, but added, “I want to make sure that our future is brighter.”

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