A debate that was supposed to feature all six current election candidates in Brantford’s Ward 4 only featured half of them on Wednesday at the Station Coffee House and Gallery.

The three absent candidates – Dave Wrobel, Richard Carpenter and Cheryl Antoski – all expressed concern over organization of the debate.

“I just found out late last night about the Ward 4 debate,” Antoski said, noting she was unable to attend because of a work commitment. “It seems that there was less of an invitational process and much more of a ‘should you hear about it, show up’ approach.”

The Brant Taxpayers Coalition is hosting the series of candidates’ debates, which started last week with Ward 5.

Incumbent Ward 4 Coun. Carpenter said he could not attend the debate because of work, but also said no one asked him to show up.

“No e-mail, telephone call or regular mail invitation,” Carpenter said. “Not very professional.”

Wrobel said he was not informed of the debate until 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.

“I believe Mr. (Andy) Woodburn, as a past councillor and candidate, should know the process and the nature of how employment can affect candidates' ability to attend daytime scheduled meetings or debates during the election process,” Wrobel said.

Woodburn, who is helping organize and moderate the debates, said the Brant Taxpayers Coalition have been relying on the grapevine to get word out about the debates.

“These debates are meant to be very loose and informal and are set up at no cost to the coalition,” Woodburn said. 

Woodburn guided the three candidates who were present – Bob Brown, Mike Gomon and Rob Ferguson – through a number of issues in front of an audience of about 25 people.

The first question was about whether city councillors should face term-limit rules.

All three answered 'yes,' with the maximum suggestion at 12 years.

“The first term you get a feel for things, the second term you adjust,” Ferguson said. “And in the third term you apply and complete.”

Unlike last week, when three candidates for Ward 5 agreed with the demolition of the south side of Colborne Street, the three Ward 4 candidates present at the debate expressed concerns.

“It was the wrong decision for many reasons,” Gomon said.

Ferguson said the city made the wrong decision, with no plan in place for will replace the buildings.

“If there is a secret plan, put it forth to the public,” he said.

Brown criticized a lack of public input.

“There should be as much public consultation as possible,” Brown said. “Each building torn down that is 100 years old or more is a part of our history.”

There was some disagreement when the candidates were asked about an acceptable tax increase.

“Whether we like it or not, taxes are going to be there,” Brown said. “I believe in an equal form of taxation that is appropriate to the time.”

Ferguson and Gomon both felt a zero tax increase was the only answer.

“We don’t need to spend more money, just spend it more wisely,” Ferguson said.

With a Ward 3 debate on the docket for next week, Woodburn is confident the candidates and incumbents already know about the debate.

Only Debi-Dignan Rumble has filed her candidacy for Ward 3, but both Coun. Dan McCreary and Coun. Greg Martin have indicated they will be running again.

Wrobel, Antoski and Carpenter all said their absence should not reflect their commitment to the campaign.

“I would hope to see a more reliable approach to this type of event in the future,” Antoski said.