London mayoral candidates, from left, Roger Caranci, Joe Swan and Matt Brown.
Judging by the questions posed at Wednesday night’s mayoral debate at King’s University College, what matters to Western University students is what matters to other Londoners, too.
Thirteen of the 14 candidates for the city’s top office fielded questions about jobs, development, the police budget, food banks and accessibility for the disabled during the debate, the format of which left little room for spontaneous outbursts.
Dark-horse candidate Paul Cheng repeated his well-worn message that city hall should be run like a business. “It’s not black magic. It’s no different from any other organization around the world,” he said during the introductory round, when each candidate was asked to enumerate the qualities setting them apart from the pack.
Noting the capacity crowd of 425 made the debate the best-attended so far, Ward 7 Coun. Matt Brown emphasized his plan for the Forest City’s future. “I have a vision that’s a 20-year vision for this community,” he told the assembled students and ordinary Londoners.
At one point in the evening, former councillor Roger Caranci tried to compliment the debate’s organizers. He was cut off and told pointedly to stick to the agreed-upon format.
After he had been admonished, Caranci went on to say he “made no bones” about the fact he loves development and would not apologize for his ties to the industry.
Indeed, several candidates were drowned out at different points by applause from the crowd — the cue indicating the audience knew they had gone over time.
“Take your seat,” the event’s moderator emphatically told developer Arnon Kaplansky when he, too, tried to deviate from his allotted time.
Asked what distinguishes him from the other mayoral hopefuls, Ward 3 Coun. Joe Swan reminded the audience he has served on council for 20 years and has extensive experience running the city.
He also repeated his pledge to hold property taxes to a 1% increase on average over four years before the sound of loud clapping prevented him from continuing.