Dear Mayoral Candidates,
I have been thinking about the mayoral debate being held at Carmen’s on September 22, and I would like to share an idea with you.
I believe every candidate running for mayor deserves to be heard, and more importantly, the people of Hamilton deserve the opportunity to hear from every candidate before they decide who will receive their vote.
What if the candidates who were not invited to the debate came together peacefully outside Carmen’s that morning? Each candidate could stand respectfully with a simple banner saying:
“HAMILTON DESERVES TO HEAR EVERY CANDIDATE.”
No confrontation. No personal attacks. Just a respectful message to the public that every candidate and every voter matters.
Even better, perhaps the candidates could come together and organize an independent, all-candidates debate for the people of Hamilton—one where every candidate is given an equal opportunity to speak and answer questions.
I believe doing something different could capture the attention of the public in a positive way. Instead of competing against one another, the candidates could demonstrate that they are willing to put democracy and the people of Hamilton first.
This isn’t about one candidate against another. It is about giving Hamilton voters a choice.
I hope you will consider the idea. Sometimes it takes a different approach to make people stop, listen, and ask an important question:
Why shouldn’t Hamilton hear from everyone who is asking for their vote?
With respect,
Alfredine (Linda) Plourde
