An insightful live broadcast of a conversation with the three candidates for City of Powell River mayor hosted by the Peak at Powell River Public Library on October 15 gave viewers an opportunity to measure each candidate's position on issues before going to the polls on Saturday, October 20.
Questions to the candidates came from viewers of the Facebook live stream and direct messages to the Peak Facebook page.
Incumbent Dave Formosa emphasized his record of 10 years on council and the economy.
Challenger Ron Woznow dispelled rumours about his position on the new Townsite wastewater treatment plant.
“The reality is that plant is going to be built,” said Woznow, adding that he supported the facility’s location based on completed engineering work.
Woznow also said some people had made false statements about his credentials, and questioned Formosa for the city’s failure to create high-paying, permanent jobs.
Candidate Glenn Holstine was at the centre of two of the more lively exchanges, first drawing attention to Formosa’s business interests being in conflict with council decisions.
Woznow took the issue back 10 years and said he had counted about 73 opportunities when Formosa had been in conflict.
“I have no conflict of interests,” said Woznow. “I do not have to excuse myself from a variety of different meetings and so it's much easier to keep a flow going in meetings.”
Formosa did not dispute Woznow’s number and said his business interests do make it necessary for him to recuse himself from some decisions, but that it does not hold up progress or council.
“I have an interest in Powell River; I have an interest that Powell River does well,” said Formosa. “What do I say? I own companies here. We're not suffering due to my conflicts.”
The question about conflicts was not the only testy exchange during the 90-minute debate.
When discussion turned to the former Inn at Westview building, Holstine used the matter of attendance again, but this time it was directed at Woznow.
Woznow said he had not seen a recent letter to the city from Jack Barr, agent for the building’s owners, regarding its demolition.
Holstine said if Woznow had attended committee of the whole or the most recent council meeting, Barr's letter was there to be seen by everyone.
“If you would attend council meetings or committee of the whole meetings, you'd be more informed of what is going on in the community,” said Holstine.
Woznow replied that he can sit at home and see it on live stream.
“That’s what I do,” said Woznow.
Holstine asked Woznow if he intended to do that if he were elected mayor.
“I would suggest it would have been a good idea to have at least attended a few meetings,” said Holstine.
Woznow said he had been to more than a few.
The full discussion can be viewed at prpeak.com.
