Election forum set for tonight

Fort Frances voters will get a chance to hear from the candidates running for mayor and council in the Nov. 13 municipal election during the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s candidates’ forum tonight.
Everything is in place for the forum to start at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre, Chamber office manager Dawn Booth said this morning, adding that nearly all of the candidates will be in attendance as far as she’s aware.
The only exception is Coun. Neil Kabel, who is ill.
Incumbent Dan Onichuk and Coun. Roy Avis are running for mayor.
Those running for the six seats on council include incumbents John Albanese, Tannis Drysdale, Todd Hamilton, Kabel, and Rick Wiedenhoeft, along with challengers Allan T. Bedard, Andrew Hallikas, Ken Perry, G. Paul Ryan, Sharon Tibbs, and Nick Wihnan.
Booth said the format will run the same as in previous years. Council candidates will not participate in a debate, but be given four minutes to discuss themselves, their priorities, and their action plans.
The mayoral candidates also will be given four minutes to do the same.
But after that, they will be asked questions by the media, given three minutes to answer them, and then one minute for rebuttal.
The mayoral candidates are expected to be asked questions regarding:
•economic development (Fort Frances Today);
•community services (B93•FM);
•leadership and accountability (Fort Frances Times);
•communications (Westend Weekly); and
•infrastructure (Border Rock 92.3 fm The Wolf).
Booth noted something new this year is the fact the media will be given a one-minute window for a follow-up question just in case the candidate failed to sufficiently answer their initial one.
The mayoral candidates will be given one minute each to respond to this follow-up question.
The pair also will be given three minutes to make closing remarks.
Chamber president Gary Rogozinski will be the moderator while Christine Denby will be the timekeeper.
The public is welcome to attend in person or they can watch it at home via a live broadcast on Shaw (Channel 10).
The public also is encouraged to meet and greet the candidates immediately following the forum. Coffee and doughnuts will be available.
In related news, the Fort Frances Labour Council is sponsoring an all-candidates’ debate next Wednesday (Oct. 25) at the Métis Community Hall (old Polish Hall).
The councillor candidates’ debate will run from 7-8 p.m., followed by the mayoral candidates’ debate from 8-9 p.m.
Questions from the floor will be encouraged, with Gordon McBride acting as the moderator.