MediaPlex students host Ward 3 debate

By: Dan Gray

St. Clair College journalism students have held their first of two debates this election season at the MediaPlex in Windsor, Ontario.

Prospective ward three candidates Gabe Maggio, Rino Bortolin, Caroline Postma and Claude Reno gathered with residents from the city to participate in a debate. Questions ranged from small business in the downtown and backyard chickens to what to do about stray cats and Windsor Transit. The event was organized and run by the journalism students at the college giving them a unique opportunity to practise covering elections. Veronique Mandal is the co-ordinator of the journalism program and hopes this experience helps students in the long run.

“Often students don’t have opportunities to go out and interview all the candidates running in a political forum,” said Mandal. “In this situation, they have the opportunity to ask the questions and hear the candidates giving answers about issues that in this case, concern young people.”

Maggio received many moments of applause during the debate. He made points on small businesses and looking to other cities in North America as examples of what Windsor could become. He believes debates are an important part of any election cycle.

“It is part of democracy, it’s part of getting the information out, showing the electorate who knows the issues and where they stand on the issues,” said Maggio. “What part of the spectrum they believe in and the degree in which they are ready for the job.”

Running with past experience on city council and city boards was a major point for Postma in answering her questions. She was able to use her past experience in answering many questions posed to her throughout the evening. She looked forward to the opportunity to answer questions from the residents of the city.

“It gives us all a chance to get our views out there and just talk about things that are important to the community,” said Postma. “Everybody gets your view versus someone else’s views. It’s important you get to see the comparison right away.”

The MediaPlex will hold their second town hall debate on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. with the mayoral candidates of the city taking their turn fielding questions. For more information on that event, the journalism program or the MediaPlex you are encouraged to call 519-972-2727 and ask for Veronique Mandal.