The Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) is questioning how topics were selected for the North Durham Chamber of Commerce’s September 16 mayoral forum and meet the candidates’ event.
It is calling for a public explanation of apparent restrictions on discussion of the Port Perry Fairgrounds.
PPAS is seeking renewal of its management of the fairgrounds, while the Township of Scugog has undertaken a third-party visioning exercise which may result in part of the location being used for development.
Fairgrounds Excluded From Discussion
“Witnesses attest that candidates were advised they could not bring up the fairgrounds; attendees were not permitted to ask questions, and multiple individuals were told that they could not raise the fairgrounds issue,” said a recent PPAS statement.
PPAS President Paul Puckrin feels that these restrictions silenced constituents, taxpayers, and residents seeking information from those running to represent them.
“The chamber’s public event listing invited residents to ‘ask questions that matter to you and your family’ at the Scugog Community Recreation Center. PPAS says excluding the fairgrounds from discussion was inconsistent with that invitation and denied voters an opportunity to hear candidates’ positions on an issue of community concern,” said the statement.
Fairgrounds Future Deserves Open Public Discussion
It said the future of the Port Perry Fairgrounds deserves open public discussion. Residents should be able to ask candidates about the plans for the property, and candidates should be able to explain their positions. Excluding the subject from an election forum limits the information voters can use to make informed choices.
PPAS is calling on the chamber to publicly explain how topics for discussion were selected and why the fairground issue was excluded.
“An elections forum should welcome respectful questions about issues that matter to the community. The PPAS urges the chamber to ensure future events allow discussions of the fairgrounds and give residents a meaningful option to participate,” the statement added.