East Cochrane association laying groundwork for candidates forum

The Cochrane Settlement Community Association, better known to many as East Cochrane, is finalizing details for a candidates’ debate.

Judy Stewart, of the organizing committee, says they want to spread the word early so candidates can keep it in mind when planning their campaigns.

“We hold one every election, and we draw a large crowd,” said Stewart, herself a former Cochrane mayor. “People seem to enjoy the opportunity it provides them to get to know the candidates.”

The association is searching for a venue after their preferred date and location became unavailable. Once held, questions will be posed to candidates by the organizing committee, with additional time allocated for written questions from the audience.

Stewart says once the date, time and location are finalized, candidates will be contacted directly.

The field of candidates for the fall municipal election is expected to become clearer after the Labour Day weekend. Currently, four people have filed papers for council and three for mayor.

The nomination deadline is noon on Sept. 22. Election day is Oct. 20.