With a large number of candidates running for positions on Creston town council in the Nov. 15 municipal election, three forums have been scheduled to help voters decide on their choices.
A “speed candidating” event organized by the Nelson-Creston Green Party will be held at the Creston and District Community Complex at 7 p.m. Nov. 1. Candidates for town council and Regional District of Central Kootenay Area B have been invited to rotate around tables where voters can ask questions while sitting face-to-face.
“A new style of candidate forum that is interactive, informative, up close and fun!” is how Kaitlin Viers, one of the organizers, describes it.
The Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce has rented Prince Charles Theatre for two nights.
“With so many candidates this year we decided to divide the forum into two sections,” chamber executive director Jim Jacobsen said. “On Tuesday, November 4, candidates for town council will appear. On Wednesday, November 5, candidates for mayor and RDCK Area B will field questions.”
Because of the number of candidates running this year, a new format will have the moderator read a selection of questions that have been submitted in writing to the chamber of commerce office by Oct. 30. A committee will select questions so that a broad range of topics can be covered in the time available. The moderator will be Myrna Nielsen (H.R. Consulting), with timing provided by the Creston Toastmasters.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a mix and mingle. The formal part of the forum begins at 6:30 each evening.
The Creston Valley Teachers’ Association and CUPE are co-sponsoring a forum for the four candidates for South Rural’s two trustee seats on the School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) board of education. It will be held 7-9 p.m. Oct. 30 at Prince Charles Theatre. Questions will be invited from the audience after the candidates make their introductions.