Staff
Those vying to represent Kenora-Rainy River at Queen’s Park will be fielding questions from district residents at two events set for next week.
A “meet and greet” is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Fort Frances Legion while a debate will be held the following evening (Sept. 29) at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.
Both events are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
“I just hope the public comes out [so] they can make a better decision on voting day,” said Linda Armstrong of the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture, which is organizing the all-candidates’ debate in Stratton.
Like past debates hosted by the RRFA, Armstrong said it again will feature an open forum, with candidates taking questions from the floor.
“We have no prepared questions or anything so it’s whatever the public wants to ask,” she remarked.
There also will be a break for coffee midway through the evening so the public can chat one-on-one with the candidates.
Meanwhile, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has opted to host a “meet and greet” instead of a formal debate this election.
Chamber manager Anthony Mason said candidates will be given a chance to make open remarks.
Then there will be “separate little booths” set up, at which the public will be able to speak with the candidates.
“We’re hoping that will draw more people out,” Mason said about the change in format.
In past elections, the Chamber hosted a debate where candidates were asked a limited number of questions by both local media and predetermined organizations.
