An informal opportunity to learn more about the people hoping to represent White Rock voters for the next four years is to take place Saturday at the Kent Street Activity Centre.
The Nov. 1 meet-and-greet has been organized for the independent candidates by Joy Davies, a White Rock resident who plans to seek the federal Liberal nomination for South Surrey-White Rock.
Davies said by email that she was moved to offer the assistance because "I have not been happy to see good people remain unelected simply because they did not have the financial means to compete with 'big business' candidates."
She also hopes it will bolster voter turnout on Nov. 15 and result in "a greater diversity of experience, education and thought" at the council table.
Slates, she notes, have a financial advantage over independents. As well, there is the perception that favours are owed to corporations that contribute to those campaigns, and that slates vote in unison, she writes.
"They are at the table to support some one else’s agenda, usually the mayor’s."
Davies said seven independent candidates – David Bradshaw, Ross Haugland, Mike Hornak, Sheila Hunter-Tubic Pat Petala, Darcy Sangster, and Cary Van Zanten – have committed to the Nov. 1 meet-and-greet, set for 1:15-4 p.m.
Davies describes the affair as an opportunity to meet the candidates without feeling rushed.
The Kent Street Activity Centre is located at 1475 Kent St.