Kinsmen host debate

The Kinsmen Club of Bolton are hosting a debate for all candidates that Bolton area voters in Wards 3, 4 and 5 will see on their ballots in the upcoming municipal election. The debate will be held in the main hall on the second floor of the Albion Bolton Community Centre tonight (Oct. 25). The candidates are scheduled for Wards 3 & 4 voters in the first two sessions (area, then regional candidates) and Ward 5 voters in the last two sessions (regional then area), with the public board trustee and mayoral candidate debates in the middle. Wards 3 & 4 voters should arrive by 7 p.m. for the start of their sessions, while Ward 5 voters should arrive by 8 p.m. for the start of the trustee session. Most Wards 3 & 4 voters will likely want to leave after the mayoral debate which will finish at 9 p.m., while the Ward 5 debates wrap up at 10 p.m.

The format of the debate sessions allow for opening remarks for each candidate for a specified time. After opening remarks, each candidate may pose a question or issue for the session candidates to discuss and then the session will be opened to the floor for voter questions. All 20 candidates have been invited to participate and Kinsmen organizers anticipate all will attend as this appears to be the only debate that will be staged for the two Bolton area wards.

"With this many candidates, time must and will be strictly controlled and all candidates will be allotted exactly the same time as their opponents, no more, no exceptions!" said Kinsmen Moderator George denHaan. "Voters should expect a lively and informative event and we hope for a great turn-out" he added.

Bolton Kinsmen are providing the candidates' debate as a community service and all are invited and welcome to attend. There is no charge for entry and coffee and water will be provided.