Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative

Sarnia mayoral candidate Bill Dennis let his true colours fly at an all-candidates meeting today to help Sarnians decide on their next mayor.

It was hosted by Sarnia Rotary at the Dante Club and featured four of the five the mayoral candidates; Mike Bradley, Dennis, Carrie McEachran and Scott Molson . George Stanko had to cancel at the last minute for a family emergency organizers said.

Dennis called Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) hiring “outrageous” and the city’s volunteer Climate Action group “despicable.”

Dennis also said he “couldn’t care less” about what the Aamjiwnaang First Nation thinks about a new pipeline.

Throughout an hour-long rapid Q & A, Dennis was repeatedly critical of incumbent mayor Mike Bradley’s record over the past 38 years.

“If I’m mayor, things are going to change drastically,” Dennis said while discussing Sarnia’s homelessness and drug problem.  “We need a change, a huge change, because (Bradley) is way too comfortable.  He’s isolated in his Bradley bunker.”

Dennis said Sarnia isn’t the same city he grew up in and is plagued by drive-by shootings, stabbings and human trafficking.

“I will come down hard on crime,” he said without backing up his claims or explaining what he’d do.

Chamber of Commerce CEO and political newcomer Carrie McEachran observed that homelessness and addiction is a problem shared by the entire country and a mayor can’t solve it all. But if elected, she said she’d form a Mayor’s Action Team to work at the local, provincial and federal levels to find solutions.

“It all comes down to working together,” McEachran said. “This isn’t just a one-person problem, this is a community problem and that’s how we’re going to fix it.”

“I’m the only one up here with a real record,” said Bradley.  “With all respect, I came here to talk about the issues, not (exchange) insults.”

He said he has shown leadership by “championing” facilities like the new provincially-funded HART Hub, more addiction beds at Bluewater Health approved by the province, and more affordable housing approved by Lambton County council, where both he and Dennis have served.

Businessman and political neophyte Scott Molson said people deserve to feel safe in their homes and out shopping in Sarnia. He wants better judicial policy so criminal “catch and release” isn’t so common.

Asked why they want to be mayor, each candidate had one minute to respond.

Bradley said he understands the role and he loves it.  “I also know I was not going to leave after listening to the public, how they want somebody who has represented this community both nationally and internationally as a strong voice for Sarnia.”

McEachran said she wants Sarnia to reach its potential.  “We can’t stay where we are. My record shows I love this community and I really want to see it move forward.”

Molson said Sarnia’s financial position is “in a bad spot” and he knows how to fix it.  He promised online “dashboards” where taxpayers can quickly see where their money is being spent and what infrastructure projects are being prioritized.

When Dennis took the microphone, he reiterated Sarnia’s need for change.

Taking aim once again at Bradley, he said he “can’t watch sit around and watch a guy who should have been turfed a long time ago.”

He accused Bradley of having “no business acumen” and “buggering it up” whenever a new business or industry eyes Sarnia.

“He’s here for the money.  I am here because I love the city,” Dennis continued.

At one point, an audience member loudly called Dennis disgusting, but he continued his insults, including one directed at McEachran.

Asked about the police response toward open drug use, McEachran – who is a provincial appointee on the Sarnia Police Services Board – said “as mayor, I will rattle some chains.  We need to have a look at that.”

“That’s the biggest non-answer I’ve ever heard,” replied Dennis.  “I will be the most law and order mayor this city has ever had.”  Dennis said as mayor he will sit on the police board, alluding to Bradley’s decision to quit his seat there in 2023 citing concern about secrecy and spending.

Bradley reminded him that “it’s a fundamental principle that politicians don’t interfere with policing.”

The hour-long event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Sarnia in the Dante Club’s events hall with about 140 attending.  Rotary members said it was the largest turnout for an all-candidates forum that they have hosted.