In their words: closing pitches from Tuesday's CBC Windsor mayoral debate

Dilkens: "stability in the face of adversity" Francis: "new leadership with a fresh perspective" Pasquach: "a city hall that puts people first" 8 other candidates weren't on stage.

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CBC Windsor's live mayoral debate on Tuesday, Oct. 6, gave Drew Dilkens, Fred Francis and Kat Pasquach two minutes each on three topics picked from a CBC survey of local residents, followed by open debate and one viewer question each. Times below are approximate and refer to the CBC News Windsor recording.

Homelessness

Francis called the proposed Village at the Barn "a shelter" that is "going to attract more homeless" (17:02). Dilkens replied, "It's not a shelter. It's transitional housing" (17:06). Pasquach said, "You need to have a human-centered approach" (17:50).

Cost of living

Dilkens pointed to "the lowest tax increase of any city in Ontario" over the last four years (6:33). Francis said the asset management plan "took 41 million dollars more out of the residents' pockets" and pledged no new taxes (22:23). Pasquach said the city should start "looking at different ways that the city generates revenue" (18:43). Dilkens and Pasquach also disagreed over bringing back the tunnel bus.

Jobs

Dilkens said the biggest thing the city could do for its economy "is to get Sandwich South done" (28:30). Francis said taking on more debt for Sandwich South lands "can jeopardize the hospital project" (30:03). Pasquach said "job creation really does start in our communities with small businesses" (31:39).

Viewer questions

Asked about data centres, Francis said, "I'm not a fan" (36:29). Asked about a tax break for landlords who lower rents, Pasquach called it "such a creative way to address the housing crisis" (37:43). Asked about strong mayor powers, Dilkens said, "The universe of discretion is so limited" (39:47).

Not on stage

Eleven candidates are running for mayor. Six of the other eight candidates told Windsor News whether CBC invited them; none said they were. CBC has not said how the three were chosen.

Advance voting opens Oct. 9. Election day is Oct. 26.