Coyle, Kennery face off in College ward

There was more agreement than disagreement at a debate last night in Bells Corners, as two strong challengers for Rick Chiarelli's seat in College ward covered a range of issues without him.

The WestcliffeEstates and LynwoodVillage community associations asked Ryan Kennery and EmilieCoyleto weigh in on everything from their positions on taxes and transparency to development and household waste.

Residents then had questions for the candidates about how they would help seniors who live in buildings with no air-conditioning, deal with the rooming houses near Algonquin College, and make city contracts more transparent.

It may be the only debate in the ward this election.

• WARD PROFILE | 3 candidates giving it the old college try in College
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Experience with city hall, community

"The number one thing to me in my life, the lens I always see everything through, is how we can make community better," said Emilie Coyle,presenting herself to several dozen people attheWestcliffeCommunity Centre.

Coyleis a lawyer who has focused on refugee and immigration law,primarily for non-profit organizations.

RyanKennery described himself as a problem solver during his years inmayor Jim Watson's office. He has since moved on to local public affairs company MediaStyle.

"I had the opportunity to be part of some of the big projects at city hall, such as Lansdowne and light rail, which I think gave me a really interesting perspective on the inner workings of the city," said Kennery.

BothCoyleandKennerysaid residents are looking for a councillor who answers their phone calls and emails.

Chiarelli'scalendar conflict

For his part, Chiarelli sent a campaign member to explain he could not miss a meeting of the environmental stewardship advisory committeethat washeld at the same time.Chiarelliis the council liaison.

It was one of only three nights during the campaign he couldn't attend an election event, he relayed.

See below for a rundown of the debate from the CBC's Kate Porter .