There are more candidates running for office in District 69 than in recent memory.
That poses a challenge for the both the candidates and the voters.
The voters on how they can make an informed decision on who gets their vote, and the candidates on how they can get a clear message out to the voters.
For the Oct. 20 election, you can expect plenty of information on the issues and the candidates from the PQB News.
Our election coverage will change to reflect the times and the advancement of media, and how people get their content. It will also reflect the size of our staff and how we can reach the most people with important information, in the given time frame.
For instance, the more traditional all-candidates debate will become a web event, with scheduled events including mayoralty candidates in a moderated debate at the PQB News offices.
It will be broadcast live on social media, our readers will then be able to visit the recorded version at their leisure. What would have been 400 people crowded into a gym will now reach as many thousands as who want to view it.
Candidates in the Town and City election will be invited to record a two-minute video profile, which will be posted to our website. Again, readers will be able to access when it is convenient for them. And we’ll also be looking for some of your own input during the event.
All candidates in the Town of Qualicum Beach, the City of Parksville and the Regional District of Nanaimo will be given ample space to reply to three written questions to be published in the newspaper before the big day.
We have already received topical questions from our readers for the candidates.
The candidates for School District 69 were all acclaimed this past week.
222 Corfield has been a highly debated issue in these pages, and our website for some months, we are planning to publish a “timeline” story that will offer an overview of the project til now and of course we always invite letters to the editor.
Candidates will also using social media, websites, newspaper ads, flyers, signs and going door to door for the campaign. There will no doubt be all candidate debates in various forms .
It’s up to you to be as informed as possible about the issues and vote for you think will represent your interests best.
So many issues affecting our everyday lives take place at the ‘local’ level.
Municipal government is exceedingly important.
We’re here to help with your decision process.