The Fight for Brantford's Future

BRANTFORD, Ont.—Seven of nine mayoral candidates were present on September 18, for a debate held at Laurier Brantford’s research and academic building. Diane Austin, James Calnan, Richard Casey, Chris Friel, Mark Littell, Mike Quattrociocchi, and John C. Turmel were in attendance and fought for the future of Brantford.

The all-candidates debate was hosted by Laurier Brantford’s Journalism program and the Sputnik. Taylor Rutherford, Laurier Brantford student says. “The candidates did an excellent job incorporating student needs into their campaigns.” They addressed the issues relating to the improvement of student life with confidence and vigor.

They all had a unique outlook on how these problems of safety, the downtown core and lack of entertainment be fixed. Calnan stated, “This issue is not identifying the needs; the issue is…what are you going to do about them? How are you going to make a difference?”

Many students are concerned with their safety on campus, and the candidates recognize that. Austin says, “It is absolutely imperative that students feel safe in the downtown core.”  She also believes that with more businesses starting up and entertainment introduced, that it would make the environment safer. Calnan declared, “Safety is the one thing we promised your parents…and we will deliver.” He plans to get funds to move the police downtown to get, “More boots on the ground.”

Casey fully supports the growth of the schools in the community. While encouraging the growth of Laurier, Nippissing and Mohawk, he says, “As mayor I will work to ensure the downtown reflects your needs as students and the needs of everyone in our community.” Quattrociocchi is on the same level, he stated, “I believe that assisting post secondary institutions to grow means more students an more businesses in the core.”

Friel is looking out for the future, he says, “We need to look to start creating jobs in our community for students that goes beyond just your four years or more of University.” He explains to do this is through moving into the regulatory sciences and fine arts industries. Calnan agrees that the development of arts and culture in our community is crucial and will provide different kinds of diversities and entertainment choices.

While most candidates see the city as a place that needs major improvement, Littell has nothing but good words about it.  Thinking that the city is great the way it is, he says, “Laurier believes in Brantford—so I believe in Brantford. I think we have a great city here.” With Littell’s over confidence in Brantford, it indicates he wouldn’t change the city much. Turmel has the same attitude. The only resolution he offered was “Bus Bucks”, a form of community currency to get students to work for bus passes.

Rutherford believes that Friel deserves the title of mayor, “He seems to really care about Brantford. He has great ideas and experience.”

It is a crucial decision to make, but be sure to vote for the candidate you believe deserves to be mayor on October 25th.  They have the power to change Brantford’s future.