DBIA Hosts Ward 1, Mayoral Candidates for Debate

By: Laura Steiner

Wednesday September 19,  Milton Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosted a debate for candidates for Mayor, and ward 1 councillor.  Candidates for Mayor are: Gord Krantz (incumbent).  Krantz has served 12 terms as Mayor.  He is being   Mian Naeem, and Waseem Ahmed.  Regional council candidates are: Colin Best, Hassu Bihari, and Farooq Azam.  Azam, and Bihari did not attend the debate.  Municipal candidates are: Cindy Lunau, Chris Jewell, Kristina Tesser-Derksen and Mahmood Chaudry

Candidates faced a series of six set questions on different issues.  One  included how to preserve Milton’s heritage in downtown Milton.

The flood plain refers to a section of Downtown Milton north of Main St where development is strictly regulated because of the chance of flooding.  Candidates were asked how they would deal with that designation.

The moderator then took questions from the floor.  These included  how to deal with the upcoming legalization of marijuana.  The Ford government has allowed municipalities to opt out of bricks, and mortar storefronts.  Mayor Gord Krantz turned the question around asking the DBIA if they would like a shop in downtown Milton.

They also included one on how to tackle crime and safety.  This is  an issue that’s been highlighted by recent social media posts regarding the area around Rotary Park, and Mill Pond.

Ontario residents go to the polls for municipal elections on October 22, 2018.  The boundaries of ward one are: Derry north to Highway 7, Tremaine Rd, and the Wellington-Halton border.  For more information visit the town’s website.