For the first time since 2003, Clifford Lee was not on stage this week for two Charlottetown mayor’s debates. Instead, five other candidates took questions, debated issues and sought support. Mayor Lee was at the first debate Wednesday, sponsored by The Guardian, but as a spectator only, at the back of the UPEI student union centre. There must have been some sense of nostalgia as he watched the drama unfold.
After four successful campaigns and 15 years in the mayor’s chair, Mr. Lee is moving on. But his legacy still dominated the agenda at the UPEI debate, and again the next night at Memorial Hall in Confederation Centre.
One could say, he was a dual elephant in the room. He wasn’t singled out or criticized but key topics in both debates were closely connected with Mayor Lee – affordable housing, ditch in-filling, CEO Peter Kelly, CADC, taxes, youth retention and a new sports and entertainment centre. It couldn’t be otherwise.
Each of the five candidates have varying degrees of experience with municipal politics. For example, William McFadden was on the same ballot when Mr. Lee won his first mayoralty election in 2003. Philip Brown was the key opposition against Mr. Lee in his last two campaigns in 2010 and 2014 and before that, had served on council. Kim Devine also previously sat on council, as did Cecil Villard, a former chair of finance. Jamie Larkin lost by a handful of votes in 2014 in a Ward 1 race against incumbent Eddie Rice.
There were some fireworks in the debates, especially Wednesday over the future of controversial CAO Peter Kelly. There were accusations about a candidate telling people at the door that Mr. Kelly would be fired - which was hotly denied. Someone wasn’t telling the whole truth but the question about Mr. Kelly’s future was certainly legitimate.
It was totally appropriate to hear candidate’s views on the CAO - now, rather than see the issue go behind closed doors after Nov. 5. This is exactly the time for those questions. If not now, when? The same holds true about candidate’s vision for the city, how to address housing, who gets ditch in-filling, if the city can afford a new arena and what role the city plays on economic development.
Both Charlottetown debates attracted full houses. The same is happening elsewhere. The three-person Summerside mayor’s debate Tuesday drew a big crowd, as did the Three Rivers debate in Georgetown where five candidates are seeking to become the first regional mayor.
Yes, there were winners this week. The citizens of Charlottetown, Summerside and Three Rivers won because they had a chance to watch, listen and read about the views of mayoralty candidates. Democracy is a winner as candidates fulfilled their civic duty and put their names forward. Citizens owe them a vote of gratitude.
Candidates are now on the record on crucial issues facing their municipalities, thanks to the debates. Voters have a better idea who they plan to support. It’s a very healthy process.
