Forum hears from mayoral candidates on Saskatoon's economy

For the first time in the election campaign, the four candidates vying for Saskatoon's mayor's seat came face to face Wednesday.

Don Atchison, Charlie Clark, Devon Hein and Kelley Moore met at a forum on the economy hosted by the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce and the North Saskatoon Business Association.

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Speaking to the media following the forum, all four candidates agreed it was a good opportunity for the voters to hear from everyone. However, the candidates didn't shy away from critiquing what the others had to say.

"It's a time when the economy is vulnerable and it's going to be very important that we have a mayor who's going to step up and lead," said Clark, only a day after openly questioning Atchison's leadership abilities and promised change.

After the forum, Clark pointed a finger at how, he says, Atchison tends to shift blame on tough issues.

"I believe that is holding the city back right now. When you see that happening on the issues that matter to the citizens: crime, transit negotiations, Meewasin, the cost overruns on projects."

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Atchison continued to talk about projects, including one to move rail lines out of the city. He stressed that some of his proposals are plans for the long run.

"These plans that we're talking about for the future are truly about the future."

The incumbent mayor took aim at the other candidates' plans or lack thereof.

"I just can't believe that we don't hear other details from other people," he said. Atchison specifically spoke about Moore, saying she doesn't have enough experience for the mayor's seat.

Moore responded by noting she has experience in many areas.

"Mr. Atchison says he has 22 years in government in federal, provincial and municipal I have 20 years experience in many different roles at many different levels," Moore told reporters. "I think for him it's very important to establish himself as the most-credible candidate, but he's not. And there have been a lot of mistakes under his leadership."

While she may not be as well-known as some of her opponents, Moore said the forum was a chance for people to know her better.

"The more opportunity I have for people to hear my background my values, my policies, the experience I have the better."

As for the final candidate, Hein said a lot of talk is not what he wants. He said the more the candidates talk, the more expensive things get for taxpayers.

"A lot of people just don't want more taxes and that's what I'm offering to take forward to city hall," Hein said.

The municipal election is Oct. 26.