All five Denison candidates have agreed to attend an old style debate at the Hobart Town Hall from 6.30 – 8.30 Wednesday 18th August.
The debate, organised by Hobart Alderman Bill Harvey, follows the rejection of a previous notice of motion to council from Alderman Harvey for council to organise a candidate debate.
The previous motion was rejected by a majority of alderman as they considered it ‘too political’ Alderman Harvey adding that you can’t get much more political than an election, so it seems rather an odd reason to knocked back hosting a debate.
Alderman Harvey feels that council should have a strong interest in insuring the electors of Denison have the chance to meet the candidates and test their mettle on issues relevant to the electorate and it came as a complete surprise that aldermen rejected his notice of motion.
Alderman Harvey also considers it unfortunate that the presidential style of the election has meant that local candidates have been mostly silent throughout the campaign and there has been very little public debate between local candidates.
What we have mostly heard from candidates is the parroting of leaders and very little local content.
Alderman Harvey hopes that Wednesday’s debate will flesh out some of the issues relevant to the residents of Hobart and provide an opportunity for those who haven’t made up their mind to do so.
