Kelowna mayor into the lion’s den for Chamber of Commerce debate

KELOWNA – Incumbent Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran will presumably be heading into the lion’s den during the mayoral debate hosted by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Basran’s chief rival Tom Dyas served the last two years as president of the chamber and has called the mayor out for what he claims is weak leadership.

Basran and his three competitors, Dyas, Bobby Kennedy and Bob Schewe, have all confirmed for the debate Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the Coast Capri Hotel.

Moderator Phil Ashman, regional dean of Okanagan College, will preside over a Q & A format where candidates will answer questions posed by the moderator and by sponsoring partners Urban Development Institute and Canadian Home Builders Association.

The moderator will also take questions from the audience, chamber policy analyst Caroline Miller said in a press release.

Candidates for Kelowna council will not enjoy the same format, instead answering questions one-on-one during a meet-and-greet segment.

The event begins 11 a.m. with registration then introductions and lunch at noon followed by the forum at 12:20 p.m.

Two more forums are scheduled for next week.

The Rutland Residents Association is first up with a meet-and-greet style forum on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

In West Kelowna, the Greater Westside Board of Trade will host an all candidates forum for West Kelowna munIcipal and school board election candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 3 in the Westbank Lions Community Centre.

Kelowna and West Kelowna join municipalities across the province at the polls Oct. 20.

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