This week the Strathroy-Caradoc Municipal election took centre stage on two nights as local candidates got together to debate the issues on television. Tuesday, two shows were taped for the Mayor’s seat and Ward 1 and although the Ward 1 debate was anything but a debate, as candidates were polite, to the point and made sure they were heard and seen commenting on every question, it was the mayoral debate that garnered all the heated discussion to say the least. All four mayoral candidates were there, Dan Berdan, Brad Bock, Colin Grantham and incumbent Joanne Vanderheyden and both shows discussed issues from taxes, to transparency, the Seniors Centre, and Mount Brydges Arena all the way to affordable housing and governmental decision making. Loreena Dickson from CJBK in London was one of the moderators and says the event was very well organized and it’s a great way to really know your candidates.
Questions also ranged from the ongoing homeless situation, and even an indoor pool to farming and agricultural land issues. Strathroy United FC Soccer Club donated the venue for the shows.
For the mayoral debate, the evening started off with light hearted conversation when everyone arrived and handshakes all around. Candidates made their way to their seats and cameras were ready to roll. Loreena Dickson from CJBK and Chris Gareau from the Middlesex Banner moderated the event and started with opening remarks.
There was plenty of debate happening between Berdan and Vanderheyden, with Berdan asking Vanderheyden a direct question on almost every question. The room was tense and all eyes were on the candidates for reactions.
The first question being about the homeless situation in the Municipality and is there a role the municipality can take in acquiring 24/7 emergency care for anyone who needs it. Berdan was quick with his answer saying yes, we do have a problem. He quickly called on Vanderheyden for not doing enough. Bock also said yes, giving examples on how to fix the issue at hand. Grantham chimed in saying the size of the problem doesn’t matter, it’s a problem regardless. He agrees the Municipality plays a key issue. Vanderheyden also agreed that there is an issue and that a facility should be built to help those in need and who are struggling.
There was some debate on the topic, and after Vanderheyden answered, Bock spoke back saying we need more case workers to help. Vanderheyden says this issue could be helped if the Municipality was to partner with local or national groups. Grantham shot back that the Municipality should be a leader and work harder to fix the issue.
The next topic was affordable housing, and do we need it. All candidates agreed we need more affordable housing. Grantham argued that instead of just affordable, we also need attainable housing.
The next question on this topic sparked something in the candidates. What is the roll of the Caradoc Housing corporation. It has a board staff consisting of the Mayor, and Senior Municipal Staff. Grantham feels that it should be used to make affordable housing, but it should be transparent. He claims that no one really knows what the corporation does. Vanderheyden was quick to disagree explaining the Corporation originally started with funding from the Ontario Government, but when they ran out of funds the town made it into its own Corporation. Berdan said there needs to more transparency with it and Bock says we could utilize it more and work closely with developers to bring more affordable housing.
That question led right into the next topic which was transparency within the municipality to its residents. Vanderheyden said in the past 4 years, council has worked hard to bring more transparency. She went on to say that agendas for meetings are posted well in advance. In recent years due to COVID, the meetings have been over Zoom. Vanderheyden said that when the Zoom feed cuts out, council stops talking and resumes when the feed is live again. Berdan didn’t have much to say but did say that there needs to be more transparency as he has been waiting for a building permit for 3 years. Grantham says that the Municipality is doing the bare minimum and that it can go further like stopping closed door meetings. Vanderheyden was quick to reply that closed door meetings are for personal issues and legal matters (in-camera sessions), and they follow those rules by the book.
The candidates were also asked on the role of staff and council and who is actually making the decisions. Berdan was first to answer saying he’s not sure how it all works together. Bock said there is some secrecy happening that needs to stop. Grantham spoke up about how there is yet to be a recommendation from staff rejected. He wants to see more debate among staff and council at meetings. Vanderheyden says that council and staff work together as a team. Bock jumped back in saying there needs to be independence on council’s part but they need to work as equals as well and the backroom meetings need to stop because everyone knows they happen. Vanderheyden said there are no backroom discussions with council and staff, everything happens at the meetings. Grantham says council needs more independence.
A hot topic in Strathroy-Caradoc has been the Mount Brydges Arena. Candidates were asked if they were aware of the progress on it and what they would do to keep the community engaged. Bock says he sees signs about fundraising for the arena and that there needs to be a criteria. Grantham says Mount Brydges absolutely needs a new arena and he knows where it currently sits. He is wondering why there needs to be a fundraising committee. Vanderheyden says there are 2 committees for the arena one of them is a fundraising committee, the other a building committee. Berdan entered the conversation with a direct question to the incumbent as to where these committees are and why he hasn’t heard of them. Vanderheyden responded without hesitation saying the committees have been meeting regularly and the meetings are live and taped for public viewing. Bock added Mount Brydges should use Strathroy facilities until the arena is completed.
Another topic that is roaring in the municipality right now is that council is Strathroy focused amidst many comments from ward two residents that they always come second. Grantham was first to respond saying it needs to be realized as a real problem. He went on to say we have many different communities, all with their own needs. Vanderheyden was quick with the response saying she has had people come up to her and ask the same thing, but when she asks if they can give examples, they don’t have an answer. Berdan asked Vanderheyden, directly, about tar and chip on roads and asked how many times her own road has been done; and says there are still people waiting for it. Vanderheyden responded with saying it was a works department issue.
Candidates were also asked if Strathroy-Caradoc should amalgamate with Adelaide Metcalfe. Bock answered no, as then there will be talks about who controls what seats in council. Grantham said it’s a topic that needs to be explored and talked about. Vanderheyden agreed, saying if it’s in the best interest of the people it’s worth exploring.
Taxes was next and the question of how important taxes are in the municipality in terms of keeping them low. Grantham said the Municipality needs to work hard on the budget to keep them low. He says ‘Tax Greed’ is settling in. He also threw in statistics and said the municipality is getting tax dependent. Vanderheyden said everybody want’s new and upgraded facilities etc, but no one want’s to pay for them. Berdan says they need to step back and re-examine. Bock says we all have bills and taxes to pay and need to take accountability.
An indoor pool popped up as a question from moderators as well, and if the Municipality should have one. Vanderheyden said they have looked at the numbers countless times and there needs to be 30,000 people in the municipality to build one to help offset some costs associated with it, so it won’t happen now but in the future is it plausible. Berdan says if they can budget for one then they should. Bock says we could be creative with it and incorporate the pool with the hospital for programs there. Grantham says there was 30,000 people needed 4 and half years ago. He is wondering what the cost of an indoor pool now would be. Vanderheyden says she has personally looked into it and the numbers are still not there.
Here is the list of the shows making their premiers, plus all shows will be available to watch as many times as you’d like on the Rogers TV You Tube channel.
Mayor Debate – Monday, September 26th at 5pm
Ward 1 Debate – Tuesday, September 27th at 8pm
Ward 2 Debate – Wednesday, September 28th at 10am
Deputy Mayor Debate – Wednesday, September 28th at 9pm
written by: K. Close