Candidate forum packed

A majority of candidates running for mayor or council in Penticton turned up at the second annual Arts Rising festival's all-candidate forum Thursday night. 

The floor of the Cannery brewery was crowded with chairs, both for the audience and for the candidates. The forum's moderator had to limit participants to two-minute speeches. 

'I hope you didn't prepare three-minute speeches," she said. "You'll have to kind of concise it down if you don't mind."

Questions were posed to potential mayors and councillors, regarding how to grow Penticton's arts and culture scene, what the gap is between the arts scene and the city's priorities, and what actions should be taken to promote arts in the city. 

Incumbent mayor Andrew Jakubeit acknowledged the city doesn't currently have a formal arts policy, but he pointed out artistic triumphs during his years in office. 

"i think we've made some big strides in closing gaps. I think having the second year of the sculpture walk speaks volumes," Jakubeit said. 

All 20-plus candidates who were present were given the opportunity to respond to one question. 

They were each asked which city or community they envisioned as a model for the arts that Penticton should follow. 

Several candidates picked Vancouver, with others pointing to Saskatoon, Chicago, London, Ont. and Windsor. The prevailing theme, though, was accessibility to arts programming, and beautiful outdoor spaces that flowed through the city. 

Forum attendees had the chance to ask questions at the end of the evening. One woman brought up the Leir House, asking candidates how they would deal with future funding for the spot which is housed on city-owned property and hosts the Penticton Arts Council. 

Several candidates responded in praise of the Leir House, indicating they would support its work were they to be elected. 

Audience response to the forum overall was positive. 

"It was very valuable. It's excellent to see the arts community directly asking questions like this. It's excellent to see the candidates responding so candidly," said voter Nicholas Vincent.

"I found it to be very useful, not only in finding out the opinions of the candidates, but also learning more about the arts in Penticton," said Fred Hagen, another voter.

Dozens of people showed up to the event at the Cannery, which was also a kickoff for the Arts Rising festival. Events will be taking place throughout the weekend.