28 Apr, 2020

First ever online candidate forum

Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Ward supplementary election is continuing, with the City of Adelaide hosting its first ever online candidates forum on Wednesday (29 April).

The online forum will give residents and business owners in the city’s central ward the opportunity to ‘meet’ the eight candidates standing for election and ask any questions they may have.

The candidates will take part in a Zoom meeting, which will be streamed live on Facebook between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

All candidates have agreed to participate in the forum, which the Lord Mayor has invited LGA SA chief executive Matt Pinnegar to facilitate.

Locals can send in their questions via the comment section on Facebook to be answered on the night.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said with social distancing restrictions preventing public gatherings, candidates were limited in their ability to meet with the local community and promote their vision for the city.

“This is an important event to make sure our community still has the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and to ask questions before they vote,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The person elected will join our council and play a vital role in deciding how we continue to support our community through this crisis."

“I think it’s very important that our ratepayers are able to make an informed choice about who they want making decisions for their city and this online forum will be an innovative way to get to know the candidates before voting concludes on May 11.

“I strongly encourage eligible residents and business and property owners to put aside an hour and a half this Wednesday evening to engage with candidates and put forward their questions.”

The supplementary election has been called following the resignation of Councillor Houssam Abiad in January.

Ballots have been mailed out to central ward residents, property and business owners.

The Central Ward covers the city’s central business district and is bordered by the River Torrens, Dequetteville Terrace, Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Gouger, Wright and Angas Streets to the south and Park
Terrace.

Voting closes at noon on Monday, 11 May 2020.

For more information visit the City of Adelaide Elections page.

Ashleigh Pisani