Warden debate Dear Editor, I was pleased to attend last’s week warden debate at Pontiac High School (PHS), as hosted by THE EQUITY. It was standing room only in the PHS auditorium – a great indicator that there is a tremendous amount of interest in our upcoming municipal elections. It was also a great relief to be in that auditorium and not give a speech, as many years ago (as a PHS student) it was an annual requirement for me. I wish to offer my congratulations to all candidates who participated. I believe we also owe THE EQUITY our thanks for organizing and moderating this event. As we’re all aware, the media landscape is quickly evolving through expansion of the internet and through increased uptake of digital news content. I feel it is essential now, more than ever before, for us to recognize and support our local media outlets, including local radio (CHIP FM recently contributed to the democratic process as well, by covering a separate warden debate earlier in the week). Rural areas, unlike our urban cousins, don’t always have the proper web infrastructure to ensure that residents have consistent access to digital news on the internet. This is problematic across Canada, and rural media outlets typically punch above their weight in terms of outreach, at great financial cost. It’s likely we will never see Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other online media platforms organize a local debate in the Pontiac and thus we can’t take it for granted when our local media outlets put forth extra effort to ensure we are informed about what affects us. Benjamin Woodman Gatineau, Que. Elections – good news, bad news Dear Editor, I write as a resident of Allumette Island where, in a few short weeks, we will elect a mayor. The good news is that we have three candidates who have stepped up to the plate to run for this often unappreciated office. The other good news is that we have several individuals who have chosen to add their names to the roster of council members. Perhaps this is an indication that the tide is shifting, that people are moving beyond spectator roles and willing to actively engage in such an important process as that of local government. But the news is not all good. I had hoped there would be a forum where residents could meet the three mayoral candidates and hear directly from them where they stand on issues of concern to the community. It’s easy to craft a brochure listing goals or a vision. It’s one piece of a campaign package. It does not, however, get at the heart of the issues nor does it distinguish candidates. I believe that facing constituents and responding to carefully crafted questions is an opportunity for mayoral candidates to define themselves. In the absence of this, how does one make an informed decision at the polls? This is the real question! Voting is a right and responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Surely our election of a mayor should be more than a popularity contest. If one listens to the pulse of the community, one could infer that our roads, our infrastructure, our local decision making process, our plans for going forward all weigh on the minds of residents. What is the position of our mayoral candidates on these issues? Do you know? Collectively do we know? A forum would be a step in levelling the playing field so we could hear from each candidate relative to the sample issues I suggested. As this article goes to print it seems there will be no public forum. How disappointing. But all is not lost. There is still time for each of us to contact our mayoral candidates and seek out their position on issues of concern to us. On Nov. 5 we must make informed decisions. It’s easy to sit back and complain when things aren’t going as we hoped. It’s easy to criticize. It’s easy to be reactive. We must remember that it takes courage to put yourself forward for a leadership position and political leadership is not easy. At the same time it takes courage to stand up and ask questions. Let us not be spectators in this election. Honour each of our candidates by listening to them, by making your voice heard, by asking your questions. Most importantly, at the end of the day be resolved to accept the outcome and support our team of elected officials as they strive to collaboratively address the issues of importance to our precious island. Colleen Fleming Allumette Island, Que.