Brantford’s mayoral candidates faced off on Wednesday in a wide-ranging municipal election debate.
The debate, hosted by the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Rogers TV, put questions to the candidates: incumbent mayor Kevin Davis; Dave Wrobel, who has served three past terms as councilor for Ward 4; first-time candidate Ryan Smith, and perennial candidate John Turmel.
The questions, posed by Paul Bisanti, president of the chamber’s board of directors, and Greg Evans, a member of the chamber’s advocacy committee, covered those related to local transportation, economic development, working with neighboring communities, housing affordability, Indigenous reconciliation, and homelessness, addictions and mental health.
The municipal election is set for Oct. 24.
Davis, a former lawyer who is seeking his second term as mayor, touted some of city council’s accomplishments over the past four years – attracting major new employers such as the Hershey Distribution Centre, construction of affordable housing, and adding to the city’s complement of first responders.
“But there’s still more to do,” said Davis, adding that the first couple of years in office is about learning the municipal system and the second term is making use of the groundwork that has been set.
But Wrobel, who is making his third attempt at becoming mayor, and Smith, who until now was best known as Brantford’s Batman, entertaining people dressed as the superhero at charity events and other gatherings, questioned city council’s tactics.
“We need to rebuild the trust and transparency that has been lacking,” said Wrobel, citing several times council’s approach to selling the former Arrowdale municipal golf course.
Smith, too, said he has heard “many different complaints and issues raised” by city residents regarding the sale and other matters.
The city sold 32 acres of the property to Elite MD Developments for $14 million. Funds from the sale will be used to build affordable housing elsewhere. The city plans to build a community park on 17 acres of the former golf course land. The sale was controversial and resulted in several short challenges. An attempt to overturn council’s decision by way of a judicial review was unsuccessful.
Turmel, who, according to the Guinness World Records holds the records for the most elections contested and for the most elections lost, having contested 101 elections and lost 100 (the other contest was a byelection that was pre-empted by a general election call) focused mainly on ideas he has raised in other campaigns: adoption of an “alternate currency system” that involves bartering and trading, along with the distribution of interest-free credit cards given to people who pay them off only if they can.
All candidates agreed with the need for a regional transportation master plan. Wrobel, who was asked several times by Bisanti to stick to the subject when he veered off to talk about the Arrowdale sale, said a master plan needs to include the city, Brant County, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Smith said the city need to “focus on transportation we already have” and make upgrades to the municipal bus system.
Davis said a transportation linkage between Brantford and the County of Brant, Cambridge, Six Nations and Waterloo/Guelph is one of his top priorities.
When asked about whether they support the Brantford Municipal Airport as an economic development opportunity, Davis said a report is coming to the next council on what improvements can be made to the airport, which has been “underutilized in the last decade” so it becomes a better economic driver.
Smith said the airport “needs to be revamped.”
“It took five years (of living in Brantford) before I realized there was an airport.”
When asked about how, if elected mayor, candidates would help improve the downtown, which has been plagued by vandalism and other crime, speeding drivers, drug use, and homelessness, Wrobel suggests relocating services for those who are homeless, have mental health issues or drug addiction issues to a building outside of the core, which could serve as a treatment and housing facility.
Turmel said “getting homeless and ill people off the street should be a No. 1 priority,” again suggesting they could be given an interest-free credit card to pay for rent and food.
Smith said that while new and renovated buildings, including those owned by the YMCA and Laurier Brantford, have improved the core, it’s not right if “we can’t afford to live and shop in those areas.”
“We can’t just offer free splash pads and movies,” said Smith. “We have to find ways to make rent cheaper.”
Davis pointed to a number of initiatives being undertaken by the city to improve the downtown, including the recent deployment of special constables, along with a security team, and the installation of closed-circuit television cameras.
Candidates were given time to explain why they feel they’re the best person to lead the city.
Smith said he never aspired to be a politician but decided to throw his hat in the ring because he feels people are unhappy about council’s handling of Arrowdale and other matters.
“I think my compassion is more important than knowing the (mayor’s) job,” said Smith. “I hope to direct that toward the city as a whole and not for personal gain.”
Wrobel said he is a fourth generation Brantfordian who grew up and works in the city. He cited his experience as a councilor, his more than 35 years working as a carpenter and his reputation for being a “do-er and a go-getter.”
“This community is built on the backs of the working class.”
Turmel, who directed people to his website, smartestman.ca, spent significant time talking about the dangers of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Davis said he built his legal career and raised a family in the city and has been involved in numerous community organizations, including the United Way, Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce.
“As a lawyer, you’re a problem solver,” he said. “I’ve been using that skill to solve problems for the city.”
The debate will air on Rogers TV on Sept. 22, with times to be announced.