La Vallee holding ‘meet and greet’ for candidates

La Vallee residents are invited to attend a “meet and greet” with the candidates for the Nov. 13 municipal election tomorrow (Nov. 2) at 7:30 p.m. at the Devlin Hall.
The candidates for reeve include incumbent Emily Watson and former reeve Ken McKinnon.
As well, seven are vying for the four councillor seats—Jim Belluz, Freeda Carmody, Ross Donaldson, Lucille MacDonald, Len McCormick, Dale Stamarski, and Brian Trimble.
“An event like this has never been done before,” noted organizer Joyce Witherspoon.
“There are a lot of people running, some new faces, and we thought it would be great for them to get out and meet the other residents in the community,” she added.
Witherspoon stressed the event will be kept “small scale,” with each candidate allowed to deliver a four-minute speech focusing on who they are, what they believe the township needs to become a better place to live and work, and their plan of action to accomplish those priorities if elected.
“We didn’t want to make it a debate, so there will be no questions from the floor,” Witherspoon added.
Although Watson would have liked to be able to address specific questions, she’s still eager to take part in the event.
“I think it’s a great idea,” she remarked, adding she hopes to answer residents’ questions informally during the mingle portion of the evening.
“I think it’s good that people have a chance to see us in action, see what it’s all about,” echoed McKinnon, though adding he wasn’t sure whether to expect a good turnout.
“It depends on what else is going on, the weather, and how much public interest is out there,” he said.
The order of the candidates will be by random draw, which will take place at 7:20 p.m.
After each candidate has addressed the public, residents will be encouraged to meet the candidates one-on-one over coffee and dainties.