Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Getting good jobs for youth and ensuring they can afford to buy a house are top priorities for numerous Sarnia council candidates hoping to be elected Oct. 26.

“I’m new and I don’t have all the answers, but my fear is that I’ll have to die in order for my children to own a house and I think that’s outrageous,” said Charmaine Murray, a newcomer to politics who is running for a city/county seat. 

“We’re not a third world country.  Everyone should have a home,” she said.

Murray was among 33 candidates who attended an all-candidates forum at Lambton College Wednesday.  Ten other candidates were not there.

The forum was organized by local groups working with young people including Rebound, Literacy Lambton, Sarnia-Lambton Children’s Aid Society and Sarnia Lambton Youth Wellness Hub. 

About 200 attended at the college’s events centre, making it the largest turnout yet for an election event.  Questions were formulated and presented by youth. Candidates were given scant minutes to discuss complex issues so that the large slate could all be heard.

“I will continue to vote for affordable housing. We desperately need it,” said incumbent Adam Kilner.  He said housing is as important as any infrastructure.

Brian White, who hopes to serve a fourth term, said city hall should “get out of the way” when community groups propose affordable housing projects.  He urged the audience to study the municipal Planning Act so they can understand the process.

“At the end of the day, you need someone who will make things happen,” said veteran politician Mike Stark.  “That’s what I do.”  He said job creation is key to affording a house and said he believes Sarnia needs homes built that sell in the $150,000 to $400,000 range.

Building $800,000 homes and counting on “a trickle-down effect” to provide less expensive housing stock doesn’t work, Stark said.

Several candidates said they believe Sarnia council needs a youth committee to ensure important issues impacting young people are heard.

Newcomer Dick Felton said young people should be invited to speak to council when issues affect them. Josh Coutts-Smith said he is primarily running because he wants his children to be proud of where they live.  “I want to have an open ear for everyone,” he said.

Scott Spinks Jr. suggested youth surveys could inform council while candidate Hari Srinivasan said council members should visit schools and youth organizations to learn what youth think and want.

“Your opinions matter,” he said.

Crime and the use of cameras in public places was discussed, as was the environment, public transportation and inclusivity.

“The number of candidates makes it confusing,” remarked youth organizer Victor Wittman-Solace.  “But I’m really enjoying it. I’m getting a lot out of the event.”

All youth of voting age were encouraged to ensure their name is on the voter list by visiting the online Voter Services Portal.  

They were reminded internet voting begins 9 a.m. Oct. 16 and continues to Oct. 26 at 8 pm.   Election day is Oct. 26 from 10 am to 8 pm.

FINAL QUESTIONS FROM YOUTH TO THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES

1.     What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing young people today in our community and what role should municipal government play in addressing it?

MIKE BRADLEY: “The big gorilla right now is AI, and I brought a motion to county council a few weeks ago that was accepted unanimously, to put together all the information we need to have an adult discussion about that.”

SCOTT MOLSON: “Safety, inclusion and belonging.  Young people should feel safe in their schools, neighbourhoods, parks, public spaces.  Bullying, violence, drugs and mental health cannot be simply ignored…we need affordable accessible places where young people can gather, play sports, enjoy art and music, and just simply belong.”

CARRIE MCEACHRAN: “What I’m hearing the most is that youth are leaving Sarnia. I have two kids of my own that have left, one lives in Toronto, one in London, because they can’t get jobs in Sarnia…so it’s very personal for me as well.  I want my kids home, my grandbaby home.  I want youth to be able to come back and feel safe and have what they need here.”

GEORGE STANKO: “The biggest challenge we have for youth is bringing opportunity here so young people can stay in the community…the way we get that to happen is by driving new development and business.  I would put together a taskforce and identify a growth manager for the city…with emphasis on bringing employment and jobs.”

2.     In one sentence, why should young people trust you?

GEORGE STANKO: “With a face like this, how could you not trust me?”

CARRIE MCEACHRAN: “I have an open ear and will listen to anyone when they come to me and take any ideas that come forward.”

SCOTT MOLSON: “Give me four years and I’ll show you.”

MIKE BRADLEY: “Look at the record, look at the engagement, look at the life I’ve led…and the way you earn trust is to keep on doing it every day, so I look forward in the future for you to come back and judge me on today, but the trust has been there in the past and I continue to develop that every day with the youth in the community.”