Candidates for mayor speak out against allegedly “biased” debates

October 5, 2022 · 0 Comments

By Zachary Roman

The two candidates for mayor in Caledon’s upcoming municipal election, Annette Groves and Jennifer Innis, are speaking out against debates they say are unfair.

Though neither candidate spoke of a specific debate, both had strong messages to share about their belief in fairness during debates and all-candidates events.

Innis said she will not be participating in any all candidates debate that’s arranged by a third-party advertiser. However, she said she’s happy to participate in any debate hosted by a community group or non-profit, such as Caledon’s Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m not going to legitimize an organization that is a third-party advertiser. That would be like me throwing an all-candidates debate,” said Innis. “I don’t want these third-party advertisers to get any credibility… it’s one person who’s spending (money) to defame and discredit other members of Council or other candidates.”

Groves said it’s important that any debates held in Caledon be hosted by an unbiased group and have an unbiased moderator.

She said she’s willing to participate in any such credible debates that are free from bias for any one candidate.

“That’s part of democracy,” said Groves. “Really, I’m happy to face any of the tough questions in an open debate.”

Groves and Innis both put their names forward as candidates for Caledon’s next mayor the first day they were able, May 2. They’ve been campaigning ever since to win in Caledon’s municipal election that takes place on October 24.

Caledon residents can visit the Town’s website to learn more about voting dates, times and locations — early voting begins soon, on October 8.