What do the owner of a driving school, a University of Calgary undergraduate student, a retired and outspoken town hall watchdog and an electrician have in common?
They’re four of the seven unknown and underqualified candidates running against Mayor Dave Bronconnier in Calgary’s 2004 civic election.
This lack of viable candidates running against Bronconnier has serious consequences to the credibility of this municipal election. People simply don’t give a damn about an election where the winner is clearly decided before the race has begun, and the resulting lack of debate over key issues and voter apathy creates a clear threat to democratic processes.
The one and only mayoral debate, a forum for the public to hear and question the platforms of the mayoral candidates, took place at the U of C campus on Thu., Oct. 1. In a move that would equate political suicide in any other arena, Bronconnier was quoted in the Calgary Herald describing the resulting debate as a “gong show”, and made the decision not to attend any subsequent debates because he believed the other candidates were not serious.
Granted, maybe Bronconier was right–the debate’s highlights included the current City Council being compared to Nazi Germany and labeled a “totalitarian regime” by two separate candidates; one candidate got over-excited, falling off the stage and cutting his head. Maybe the mayor feels he has more important issues to contend with during the campaign period than fielding accusations of totalitarian rule.
But, despite the questionable antics of certain candidates, democracy is based on forums where citizens have the option to speak out, question those in power, and stay informed of the issues affecting them and the city. It is impossible not to view Bronconnier’s decision to remove himself from further debates, and thus effectively eliminate any criticisms or opposing view points, as at least slightly undemocratic and vaguely reminiscent of the accused totalitarian regime.
Bronconnier will win this election. This certainty is unfortunate, as it means he can do just as he pleases during the campaign, including refuse to address key issues or hold debate with other candidates, and is still assured unchallenged reign of Calgary for the next three years.
Three years down the road, after Mayor Bronconnier builds more and more overpasses, shakes more hands and kisses more babies maybe a notable Alderman, or two, or three, will step forward to commit themselves in the race for mayor. Maybe the next election will provide some real competition and debate which Bronconnier cannot hide from.
And three years down the road, if we can rely on a few brave and creditable individuals step forward in the race for mayor, democracy will be restored to the City of Calgary once again.