(SHELLEY JORDAN / iNFOnews.ca)

There’s been frustration among many Kelowna city council candidates that there have been no all-candidate forums where they can show their abilities in public.

With 32 candidates, forums are impractical. Only a few neighbourhood-sponsored meet and greets have been held. It’s also tough for the voters to sift through dozens of websites, Facebook pages and other social media in an effort to figure out 

“It's absolutely ridiculous to think that most folks in our city have time to properly evaluate 32 candidates,” candidate Tom Macauley said in an email to iNFOnews.ca in response to an article about the lack of forums “If we had a ward system, then each neighbourhood would have the ability hold a town hall debate for far (fewer) candidates.”

READ MORE: How Kelowna council candidates get their message out without forums

On his posted platform Macauley says, “Kelowna is ready for a ward system.”

Macauley, along with fellow candidates Amarit Brar, Peter Truch and Davis Kyle issued a joint press release asking for change to the city’s electoral system.

“It’s become clear to us as we approach the end of the election, and as we continue to engage voters at the doorstep, that many who are researching candidates, are struggling to sift through 32 candidate platforms,” they say in the release. “Without an opportunity for direct debate, we feel it is not fair to voters and it's not in the best interest of our city.”

READ MORE: Where, when and how to vote in the Central Okanagan on Oct. 15

Lake Country is the only municipality in B.C. that has a ward system. It was brought in when Lake Country incorporated in 1995. Vancouver is the only major Canadian city that doesn’t have a ward system, although it’s being talked about during this year's election campaign.

While the news release says the four candidates have different approaches to a ward-based system, they pledge to work together, if elected, to push for the change.

“As our city grows, so will the number of council candidates,” Macauley said in his email. “It's time to adjust so that we have a more reasonable and democratic process.”

Election day is Saturday, Oct. 15.

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