An optimal candidate debate probably has some similarity to an optimal team size, too many members result in confusion, and ultimately… despair.

“The organizers had to make arrangements to get the candidates quite early. There are a few candidates running for mayor who are not onstage, but are here this afternoon. Afterwards, stick around and you can put your questions to them.” – Jim Brown

It would appear ArtsVote, by soliciting participation early and having a deadline, has solved this problem. Good on them, because the result was a better forum.

And, seriously, they put thought into how to force candidates to use their time wisely, and only speak when they have a critical point to make.

I enjoyed this Calgary mayoral forum immensely, and I hope you do too. Thanks to Chelsea Pratchett for help covering the event, and to ArtsVote for allowing me to do this in an official capacity.

Host	Wayne	Ric	Naheed	Jon	Joe	Craig	Bob	Barb
introduction	01:33	03:29	05:04	06:44	08:25	10:00	11:37	13:17
forced closures				19:22		21:02		17:18
affordable space			24:29		22:26
accessibility		29:00				30:56	32:29
CATA budget	34:10				35:49			36:55
arts festivals			43:10	39:08			41:27
funding solution	50:14		46:39					48:35
retain artists	54:20	55:48				52:32
funding pitch		60:15		61:57			58:13
buh bye	67:00	66:38	66:13	65:24	Gone!	64:43	64:15	63:35

This video is released under Creative Commons share-alike 3.0 license.