• Five candidates seeking Ward 2’s open Council seat will meet for a public debate at Ballantrae Community Centre on Oct. 5.
  • More than 60 questions submitted by Ward 2 residents helped shape the issues that will be addressed.
  • The Ballantrae Sports Dome, candidate qualifications, development, community representation, and municipal finances are among the themes raised.
  • Terri Drover, Adam Hassan, George Karpouzis, Rocco Priore, and Jared Simpson are all confirmed to attend.
  • The debate will use a traditional format, with candidates given two minutes to answer each question and one-minute rebuttals available when appropriate.
  • Questions were not provided to campaigns in advance.
  • The event will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a post-debate meet-and-greet offering residents an opportunity to speak with candidates.

 

More than 60 questions submitted by Ward 2 residents are helping shape an Oct. 5 debate that will bring together the full slate of candidates seeking the ward’s open Council seat.

The debate will take place at the Ballantrae Community Centre from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., giving residents an opportunity to hear directly from Terri Drover, Adam Hassan, George Karpouzis, Rocco Priore, and Jared Simpson.

Retiring Ward 2 Councillor Maurice Smith, who is leaving Council after 12 years, has helped organize the event alongside acclaimed Mayor Iain Lovatt. He said the format is intended to give residents a chance to hear the candidates’ qualifications directly rather than relying only on campaign material.

Submitted questions were received, considered, and consolidated by the moderating team, which includes Randy Barba of Bullet Point News and Ron de Roo of 102.9 Whistle FM. Campaigns were provided with a list of themes compiled from resident inquiries, but the debate questions have not been provided in advance.

All five candidates will be asked the same questions during the debate. Everyone will have two minutes to respond, and one-minute rebuttals will be provided should a candidate be challenged. Speaking order will rotate throughout the evening based on numbers drawn by the candidates.

The event will be recorded and livestreamed through Mayor Lovatt’s Facebook account, allowing residents who cannot attend to watch live or view at a later date.

A Ward Asking Questions

The questions offered by residents offer a window into the issues they want Ward 2 candidates to address.

The Ballantrae Sports Dome is one of the most prominent topics, with inquiries broadly focused on the proposed location and its effect on area roadways and the community’s rural character.

The candidates themselves are also under consideration. Residents asked about their experience, qualifications, and connection to Ward 2. Several questions also focused on ensuring the ward’s dispersed communities are adequately represented and connected to their Councillor.

Candidate perspectives on growth, particularly regarding Ballantrae, Musselman’s Lake, and higher-density developments, were also requested. Further questions related to property taxes, municipal services, infrastructure delivery, and the costs associated with growth.

Traffic and road safety are another broad theme, and residents raised questions about local land use and by-law enforcement, community facilities, climate readiness, and community resiliency.

Should a particular concern not be addressed during the debate, there will be a meet-and-greet after the event concludes. Each candidate will have their own campaign table, offering residents an opportunity to continue the discussion and have their questions answered.

Five Candidates, One Open Seat

Terri Drover has lived in Ballantrae for 15 years and brings decades of experience in healthcare, environmental stewardship, and non-profit organizations. Her campaign has emphasized infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, managing growth, and community engagement.

Adam Hassan describes himself as the “only candidate born, raised, living, and working” in Ward 2. His campaign has focused on transparent communication with residents, responsible growth and development, and community safety.

George Karpouzis is returning to the race after narrowly losing to Smith in 2022. Karpouzis has said his 22 years in Musselman’s Lake have given him a close connection to Ward 2 residents. His campaign has also emphasized community safety, responsible development, and availability to constituents, as well as service delivery.

Rocco Priore, a local business owner, has made growth, business opportunity, and traffic in Ballantrae and Musselman’s Lake central parts of his campaign. He has called for development to be matched by adequate roads, schools, and services.

Jared Simpson has highlighted his family’s longstanding roots in Stouffville, along with experience in agriculture and business. His campaign has emphasized responsible growth and protecting rural character.

With so many questions submitted to the moderating team, the debate should give Ward 2 residents an opportunity to hear how each candidate approaches the leading issues facing the ward. That is an important step in the electoral process, departing Councillor Smith told Bullet Point News, before they choose his successor.