The stage has been set for the battle for the top spot in Maple Ridge.
Current Mayor Ernie Daykin defends his title against challenger Craig Ruthven, Monday at 7 p.m. in a knock-down, drag ‘em out debate at the Arts Centre Theatre.
Ruthven issued the challenge earlier and said he wants to discuss everything about Maple Ridge, from business development, to shopping, to servicing, to what’s the long-term vision for the district.
To promote downtown business, Ruthven is also inviting businesses to set up displays in the lobby and suggests the public may want to show up earlier to do some browsing.
Daykin confirmed by e-mail he’d be there and wants lawyer Bart Findlay to be the moderator. Daykin also wants to split the $575 cost of renting the ACT and suggests the format should be opening statements of five to eight minutes followed by Q and A from the audience.
“This will be the event for the community hear from the two candidates about what there vision is for this community. It’s really exciting, and we are both looking forward to it,” Ruthven said by e-mail.
Other meetings for Maple Ridge council:
• Nov. 9 – 6 p.m., all candidates, Webster’s Corners elementary, Dewdney Trunk Road and 256th Street;
• Nov. 10 – 7 p.m., all candidates, Whonnock Lake Centre, 27871 113th Avenue.
• The Pitt Meadows Community Association is hosting an all-candidates meeting Nov. 7.
Each candidate will have five minutes to speak. Afterwards, they will take questions.
The meeting will be recorded and will be available for viewing online.
The meeting is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new South Bonson Community Centre.
Questions for candidates can be emailed to info@PMCAonline.com.
• Voters who want to hear from the 11 Maple Ridge school board candidates can at Whonnock Lake Centre, Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
It is the only trustee all-candidates meeting prior to the Nov. 19 election, and is hosted by the Whonnock Community Association. Candidates will each have two minutes to speak about why they should be elected to one of the five available trustee seats. At that point, the floor will be turned over to questions from the audience.