The Cobourg Taxpayers Association (CTA) announced today that they are withdrawing from hosting the municipal all candidates event. They were to co-host with 89.7FM.
President, Lydia Smith, stated, “The CTA is a community organization. Our purpose is to represent and address the major concerns and issues of taxpayers. We identify these issues and bring them to the attention of our elected officials.” She added, “With a new slate of candidates running for office, we believe it is important that they address all major issues through an all candidates meeting and we hope such a forum can still be offered.”
Smith said, “Apparently, some candidates are concerned that CTA’s past activities and delegations to council illustrate a political viewpoint and they do not wish to participate in a CTA sponsored forum. This is unfortunate. It is a disservice to our community and to public engagement. Our primary interest is to help our community to thrive.” She added, “We will continue to express our views on major issues and provide editorial opinions on the platform and positions of the candidates. It is part of our mandate.”
“It is unfortunate that 89.7FM, as an important media outlet in our community, decided not to proceed with the all candidates meeting. We trust they will still provide a forum of some kind because an all candidates meeting is essential to our community,” said Smith.
The CTA did offer the “reserved and paid for” ballroom at the Best Western to 89.7FM for their exclusive or partnered use. The radio station declined. “Of course,” said Smith, “we will continue to participate in the democratic process, not only for the election but throughout the year.”
Smith added, “The Cobourg Taxpayers Association will attempt to find another communityminded group or media organization, who will host the event. Suggestions from the public, media or civic groups are welcome.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
