Hello Owen Sound council and mayoral candidates,

I am sharing this with the full council and mayoral candidate mailing list because James from OS Auditing is offering free interviews to Owen Sound candidates.

James should already have sent you an invitation, so please follow up with him if you are interested or missed the message.

Research helps explain why this opportunity matters. Canadian municipal elections commonly take place without party labels, alongside modest turnout and limited candidate information. A 2018 study of Toronto’s mayoral election found that most respondents evaluated candidates through performance and issues, while about 17% used explicitly ideological reasoning. A Quebec study of more than 3,200 municipal electors found that respondents who reported greater knowledge of candidates and their platforms were also more likely to report voting. Other election experiments have found that relevant candidate experience carries greater weight when party labels are absent.

This research supports giving residents clear, accessible opportunities to learn about the people seeking public office. Candidates who explain their platforms, experience, preparedness, and approach give voters stronger information for comparing the choices on their ballot.

With only a short election window, every candidate needs to make an effort to get their name and voice in front of the public. An interview can help you introduce yourself, explain why you are running, and show residents how you would approach the responsibilities of office.

James has a relaxed, easy-going interview style. He will ask why you are running, what your platform is, and a few friendly follow-up questions. The conversation is straightforward and welcoming.

His interviews can reach hundreds or thousands of viewers through Facebook and his YouTube channel, giving candidates a useful opportunity to distinguish themselves across the field.

You can contact James at:

James
j3669846@gmail.com

He can also be reached through Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033124320

I encourage both council and mayoral candidates to take advantage of this opportunity. A better-informed elect