The cancellation of September’s Calgary Economic Development mayoralty candidates’ forum has one candidate miffed.
“It could have been the largest, most relevant forum in Calgary’s history. Thousands of people and the media could have been involved,” said candidate Paul Hughes.
Candidates expressed “secrecy” concerns when it was announced the Sept. 7-8 forum would be closed to the public and media, involving only mayoral candidates and members of the Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Airport Authority, and Telus Convention Centre, among other organizations.
Yesterday, F. Bruce Graham, President and CEO of CED, issued a statement that the forum “was not intended to be a public debate” and “is no longer taking place.”
“They’re pulling out,” said Hughes. “This is extremely immature, shortsighted, and selfish. It’s like a four-year-old’s temper tantrum.”
Hughes called transparency, or an open government, an “amazing tool.”
“We all lose now,” Hughes said. “Their decision is wrong.”
