Trust, leadership, and – as always – affordable housing was discussed at the most recent Stratford mayoral debate on Wednesday night.
The second public debate at Copperlight, formerly known as the Knox Presbyterian Church, was organized by the Stratford branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women and the Stratford Arts and Culture Collective.
Mayoral candidates Martin Ritsma, Robert Ritz, and Kathy Vassilakos all attended, with Pat Quigley moderating. Questions prepared by the hosts and from audience members were posed to the candidates, each getting a chance to answer and follow-up.
The last question of the evening was perhaps the most anticipated, given the applause that followed each of the answers. Candidates were asked how they would rebuild trust with citizens in the city.
Ritz, a political outsider who has made transparency the centre of his campaign, listed many changes he would implement: cutting the amount of in camera meetings, recording votes at meetings, more public engagement and the introduction of town hall meetings, ensuring council meetings more understandable, and streamlining the city’s website.
“If we can communicate better with our citizens, we will have better engagement,” he argued. “Without that you don’t have trust and you need to have trust with your city council.”
Ritsma, a city councillor, said that this issue was near and dear to his heart. He took exception with Ritz’s comments on in camera meetings, citing many of the lawsuits that have both named and targeted the City of Stratford in the past.
“I don’t enter the in camera session to hide things,” Ritsma said. “I enter any in camera session to protect the process and to protect our citizens from liability issues.”
Vassilakos, also a city councillor, agreed with many of Ritz’s procedural changes, saying that the city can improve in some areas, like recording votes. She also wanted to look at outreach and a leader’s role in getting new people to the table.
Other questions posed to the candidates surrounded affordable and diverse housing, the environment, fostering Stratford’s cultural work, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leadership.
Housing was discussed at length. It was also a solution to many of the questions posed to the candidates.
Vassilakos pointed out that the Stratford Official Plan is coming up for review and the city will have to take a hard look at intensification and mixed housing.
Ritz argued for a corporation similar to Festival Hydro that forecasts the housing needs of the city. He said that if the city develops their own land, they could save about 25 per cent and could make huge strides in affordability.
Ritsma focused on partnerships. He argued that the municipality needs to work with other branches of government, other organizations, and other corporations. By working with an organization such as United Way, they can develop a ‘native Stratford’ approach to a global issue.
On the topic of the environment, Ritz pledged to accelerate the city’s greenhouse reduction plan, starting by decarbonizing the city’s fleet. He wants to have buildings better insulated, more efficient, and solar panels installed across the city.
Ritsma pointed out that so much of the work regarding climate change relies upon the individual. He wants to incentivize citizens doing their own improvements.
Vassilakos said that the biggest thing that the city can do comes down to budgeting. She argued that the city needs to have a climate lens so that any spending that is done is as green as it can be, whether that’s buying a new vehicle or renovating a building.
In closing remarks, the candidates highlighted key issues in their platforms. Ritsma ended his time by saying he has a strong work ethic, is committed, and is a problem solver. He noted that civility is key to the success of a community.
Ritz said his platform is driven by consulting with citizens and experts alike. As the only candidate not serving on council, he’s convinced now is the time for change in the city.
Vassilakos said that she wants to think about the people who live here, the lives they have, and what the City of Stratford can provide so that everyone can live, work, and play all within the same community.
Voting opens in the City of Stratford on Thursday and runs until Oct. 24. Stratford citizens can cast their ballot via telephone or online.
