Bradford West Gwillimbury students got a lesson in politics this week during a municipal election debate at a local elementary school.
Fred C. Cook Public School participated in the Student Vote Ontario 2018 program, a hands-on approach to democracy that challenges students to learn about the issues, meet the candidates in their community, and cast their ballots.
Oct. 16 was voting day at the public school.
Grades 4 through 8 were invited to a meet the candidates meeting in the gym, where Mayor Rob Keffer and deputy mayor candidates Iftikhar Ahmad and James Leduc spoke to the students and answered their questions.
Pat Roberge, who recently dropped out of the mayoral race, will still have his name on the real ballot, but he did not participate in this event.
“Municipal politics is a part-time job,” said Keffer, who is a farmer “the rest of the time.”
He explained the different levels of politics — municipal, provincial and federal — and described the municipal level as “the government that’s closest to the people,” dealing with sewers, water, roads, snow clearance, traffic, recreation and parks.
Keffer also spoke of the achievements of council during its current term of office: bringing accommodation for seniors to town, opening up the employment lands at Highway 400, and persuading the province to put the Highway 400-404 Connecting Link back on the agenda.
“I did feel we had a successful four years,” he said. “I think there’s still more to be done.”
Each candidate for deputy mayor described what they saw as the key issues — traffic and gridlock, for Ahmad, and job creation for Leduc — and answered questions.
“We are assembled here today to celebrate democracy,” said Leduc.
“I really appreciate the importance of what we did today,” said Ahmad. “Speaking with future voters, educating them on the process, explaining the issues… It’s all an important part of our future democratic process.”
The vote was organized by student Chief Electoral Officers Lanna and Cady, both in Grade 4 at the school.
They explained why they felt it was important to hold a mock election for their fellow students, complete with voter booths, screens and ballots in the library.
“We think the important thing is when they turn 18, they’ll understand it,” said Cady. “It’s important that we help Bradford children get a better education about democracy.”
“They will talk to their parents about why they are picking that person and not someone else,” added Lanna. “They will understand it.”
The students said they had hoped to also hear from Ward 6 candidates Mark Contois and Lisa Hawkins, each running in the ward in which the school falls, and from the local candidates for public school board trustee, but they were unable to arrange for a visit in time for the vote.
With the Mayor not facing an active opponent, it meant students could only cast a ballot for the deputy mayor of their choice — after recess.
And as with the real election, the winner will only be announced after voting closes on Oct. 22.
