The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce held a mayoral debate at the Forestry Complex in Fredericton last night. Incumbent Brad Woodside, and challenger, Matthew Hayes, spent over an hour and a half giving their positions on topics ranging from economic development in the city, it's capital spending infrastructure, population growth and affordable housing, to name a few.
The debate began with an audience of over 80 people, but it dwindled as the night wore on. Like Wednesday evening at FHS, it was a spirited debate, with some sharp elbows shown by the candidates. Overall, it was respectful, with persuasive arguments on both sides.
1. The candidates on the topic of regionalization; relationships with the city's surrounding communities, and lack of government action on the matter:
Hayes:
Woodside:
2. Captial spending on infrastructure, including the Convention Centre in downtown Fredericton, got a lot of discussion between the candidates last night. See them weigh in:
Woodside:
Hayes:
3. The candidates were asked about the crime rate in Fredericton, and what they will do to address it. See below:
4. As part of the debate last night, questions submitted anonymously were drawn and put to the candidates. Below, a question on affordable housing is asked: