Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 28/9/2018 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jenny Motkaluk says she’s reconsidering her attendance at the remaining all-candidates mayoral debates; instead, she’s calling on incumbent Brian Bowman to agree to debate her one-on-one.

"I have 26 days left to make sure that 750,000 Winnipeggers understand what I’m all about and what my priorities for this city are. With that in mind, we’re revisiting the commitments made to all mayoral forums," Motkaluk said Friday, adding she’s come to doubt the value such events deliver to voters.

While she didn’t rule out the possibility of attending some of the remaining debates, Motkaluk said her team would take a hard look at them on a case-by-case basis before reaching out to the respective organizers with her decision.

On Thursday, she attended an all-candidates debate, hosted by the Jewish Business Council. It was the third such event in three nights, and ran more than three-hours long.

Motkaluk said she walked away questioning whether the format allowed anyone to properly convey their message and platform to voters.

"I’ve got to tell you, it started off being a bit farcical and comical, but very quickly developed into what I would call a tragedy of democracy."

On Friday, Bowman challenged the other seven mayoral candidates to declare their commitment to the City of Winnipeg’s six-year, $967-million roads renewal program, as well as explain how they would pay for it.

Jenny Motkaluk questions whether some debate formats allow anyone to properly convey their message and platform to voters. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

The city plans to borrow the bulk of the cost, and Bowman has committed to continuing a 2.33 per cent annual property tax increase.

In response, Motkaluk suggested if Bowman wants to have a substantive debate on property tax or roads renewal, he should agree to hash it out with her 1-on-1.

"If Brian Bowman wants to talk taxes I’m ready. I’m challenging him to show up at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, or any other date and time that works for him," Motkaluk said. "The eight-candidate format is simply an opportunity for him to duck and cover.

"I’m ready, anytime anywhere. I challenge him to show up and have a meaningful and full discussion with me."

When reached for comment, Bowman’s campaign manager, Kelly McCrae, provided a written statement to the Free Press, calling into question Motkaluk’s ability to handle a sizable city council if she can’t handle the all-candidates debates.

"Mayor Bowman remains committed to attending debates and forums that are inclusive of all candidates and fully reflect democracy," McCrae said.

"Any mayoral candidate feeling uncomfortable after five discussions with just seven different candidates would have a difficult time working with 15 councillors in monthly council meetings."

The Winnipeg Free Press, along with WinnipegREALTORS, is sponsoring a mayoral forum for all candidates at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain on Oct. 4.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe