The focus may have been on the race for Mayor, but the candidates for Ward 2 had their chance to speak as well.
During the two hour meeting at the Bancroft Pentecostal Tabernacle, the candidates for Mayor were the focus. However, the three candidates for Ward 2 took their chance to tell the town what they’re all about.
When the candidates for Ward 2 introduced themselves, Bill Wellwood was the first to so. Wellwood gave a passionate speech about why he’s running saying, “rather than sit around and complain about it (Bancroft’s issues), I stood up and put my name down.” Miles spoke about how she’s ingrained herself in the community since moving here in 1997. “There’s something that’s healthy and hearty here,” she said. Eastman talked about the time he’s already spent going door-to-door meeting with “almost everyone” in Dungannon. “You are good people who deserve good representation,” he said.
Before the floor opened up for questions, Greg Webb, the General Manager of the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce, and host of the candidates meeting, asked candidates questions that had been given time to prepare for. They were asked about how they will work on the town’s debt. Miles started off by saying, “having debt is not the end of the world.” Since she’s a real estate agent in town, she a mortgage as an example. You mentioned how you don’t pay a mortgage off right away, you pay it off over 25 years. She said that adding to the debt should be done with common sense and only when it’s an absolute necessity. Wellwood was up next and called the question “misguided.” He said, “current council is doing a heck of a job with that debt.” He jokingly mentioned that he’d love to lower taxes and get rid of the town’s debt, but that’s when the unicorns are going to run across people’s lawns. Eastman said that debt is something that affects everyone. When talking about the work of council he said, “they are part-time people expected to do a full-time job.” He went on to say that while he knows it’s a good way to lower debt, he isn’t in favour of raising taxes.
When the floor opened up to the attendees to ask questions, the focus was on affordable housing. Miles said that there are many builders in the area, they just need to be given the incentive to build here. She mentioned that allowing people to put up small homes in their backyard would be a great start. Eastman pointed out that housing is important, but creating jobs for people is just as important. Wellwood spoke passionately and said, “the only way we can help you is if you sit down and listen to you.” He went on to say, “it’s not something we can put off for five years, we must do it now.”
After the meeting finished, the candidates took the time to talk with the attendees one-on-one and answer questions that they may not have gotten the chance to ask.
The full video of the candidates meeting is available on the Bancroft & District Chamber of of Commerce Facebook page.