Ward 5 all candidates meeting

By Sean Frame

Ten days before the election, Ward 5 candidates are attempting to show the community why they are the right choice.

On Oct. 17 at the Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex candidates were given a chance to state their stance on the issues in their ward. The candidates explained their campaign in brief detail and were asked three questions, which came from the community and were prioritized.

One question directed towards all candidates was “What have you done for our ward as a private citizen?” Within no time at all, the candidates answered with a sense of pride in their voices. Joey Wright answered with the story about six years ago when he took on the Greater Essex County District School Board and created the first gay-straight alliance in Southwestern Ontario.

“I am not one to sit back and let people walk all over me or the people I represent,” said Wright. “My track record is clear, I’m not scared to stand up and fight for what I believe in or to stand up and fight for what feels right, or for what the residents of Ward 5 need and deserve.”

After the question period, where candidates were given two minutes each to answer, questions were opened up to the floor.

Upon the first question from a Ward 5 resident, the audience member began to become hostile towards current Ward 5 Councillor Ed Sleiman. The attendee said that every time he calls Sleiman someone else answers his phone and because of this he feels the communication is lacking. Although the statement was directed towards Sleiman, moderator Mary Medcalf made the question about communication with councilors.

“When people email me, I get it on my Blackberry. When people call me, I don’t get it immediately, it goes to the city,” said Sleiman. “I never ever tried to neglect you in any way.”

After Sleiman responded, he was only met with more hostility from the resident. Despite the setback, the candidates moved on answering questions on the topic of speeding on roads to drug addicts using strange jamming technology to which Sam Drakich answered “That sounds like something for the RCMP.”

With the question period over, the candidates were given a chance for a two minute closing statement. During this time, candidate John Middleton took a few verbal shots at Ed Sleiman.

“I have talked to residents who are not happy with the placement of the new fire station,” said Middleton. “Mr. Sleiman voted to put that fire station there. After the residents saw this, they were mad. Mr Sleiman decided to do a little dog and pony show at city council for council to reconsider the vote. That is not right.”

After the closing statement the meeting was concluded. Attendees were given a chance to speak with the candidates.

“Ward 5 is a large ward and I don’t think people realize this,” said Sleiman. “It goes from Walker Road all the way to Pillette. There is different concerns, my heart is at Ford City, but the whole ward takes a lot of energy individually.”