Candidate interviews on AWARE’s website

By DOUGLAS GLYNN Midland Free Press October 13 2010
The views of candidates for Tiny Township Council on several key election issues are now available to voters on the internet. AWARE Tiny, a grassroots citizen group that conducted public interviews with the candidates, has posted videos of the interviews on the website www.aware-simcoe.ca
Letty McNeil, AWARE Tiny chair, says posting the interviews is part of the group’s goal of helping people to become knowledgeable about the candidates and familiar with the issues.
“Furthermore,” she added, “these videos are a public record of what candidates have said and can be used to hold them to account if they are elected on Oct. 25.
“Unlike other organizations, AWARE has not endorsed any candidates,” she noted. Some former Site 41 activists joined the Tiny Residents Working Together (TRWT) in naming candidates they support, as has the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations.
McNeil said there is some confusion in the township, because some people believe the Site 41 group and AWARE Tiny are one and the same. “We are not! We are not endorsing any candidates.
“We most definitely are not supporting any particular candidate. We believe if voters take the time to inform themselves, they will make intelligent choices.”
McNeil says the videos were taped during two question sessions in September that were “open to and attended by the public and the media.
“Following the election,” McNeil said, “our goal is to monitor Tiny Township Council and ensure accountability. We are seeking people to help us do that. I’m inviting anyone who wants to volunteer to call me at 705-322-4993.”
“AWARE Simcoe is trying to ensure people elect governments dedicated to protecting the water and environment, watch spending and are committed to being accountable and transparent,” she added.