All-candidates meeting organized by mayoral candidate

By John Miner

South Huron candidate for mayor Maureen Cole has organized an all-candidates meeting for later this month and sent out invitations, but it’s uncertain if other candidates will participate.

Some have said they definitely won’t be there.

Candidate Aaron Neeb said typically all-candidates meetings are hosted by a neutral third party organization with a moderator to ensure fairness and transparency for the public and the candidates.

“I have serious concerns about the integrity of an event hosted by any candidate. I look forward to a future all-candidates meeting hosted by a neutral third party, as well as election coverage from our local news media,” Neeb said in an email indicating he won’t attend Cole’s meeting.

Cole has rented Ironwood Golf Club for the meeting on Aug. 25. In a posting on Facebook she describes it as an all-inclusive event designed for all candidates and the public to meet, and be informed.

In an email, Cole said the meeting is just one opportunity for people to hear from the candidates about their priorities and plans at the very start of the election process. Candidates will be able to pass out their information freely, she said.

Speeches will start at 7 p.m. with candidates given three to five minutes for their presentation. That will be followed by random questions from the public, and then there will be an hour for one-on-one conversations at individual candidate’s tables.

Cole said she has checked with the municipal clerk and verified that candidates can host meetings as per the Election Act. The candidate must include the expenses in their financial statements.

“Some think I’m aggressive, but I just think I am proactive,” Cole said in her email.

If there is interest, Cole said she would be willing to pay for another all-candidates meeting as well.

The Exeter Examiner sent an email to all of the nominated candidates asking if they would be attending the Aug. 25 event.

Only George Finch, running to keep his position as mayor, replied that at this point he will likely attend.

But Finch said it is highly unusual for a candidate to just pick a date and assume everyone can attend.

Ted Oke, who is also running for mayor, said he hasn’t had a chance to review the details yet.

Daryl Demaray, who is running for council in Ward 2 (Exeter), replied that he is not planning on attending the event hosted by Maureen Cole. Another candidate for Ward 2, Antonio Munion said he will not be available to attend and is unable to comment at this time.

Laura Goulding, the fourth candidate running in the Exeter ward, said she has no comment at this time.

Candidates running in Ward 1 (Stephen) did not reply to the Examiner query at press time.