AUBURN – The biggest surprise in Wednesday’s City Council forum turned out to be the number of people there.

Not the size of the audience – although there was a respectable 20 or so people listening – but the number of candidates themselves.

In all, 11 candidates participated in a polite and mannerly debate Wednesday – two candidates each for Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4 and three at-large candidates. Two years ago, seats for Wards 2, 3 and 4 were unchallenged.

“It made it much harder to run,” moderator Chip Morrison said. Candidates only had time to answer five questions before the 90-minute forum ended. All of the questions were generated by the 20 or so people in the audience.

“I didn’t even have time to ask my questions,” Morrison said.

There wasn’t even enough room on stage for all 11 candidates. Ward 1 Councilor Bethel Shields and challenger Gary Baillargeon had to sit with the audience, coming to the podium when it was their turn to answer questions.

Candidates were quizzed about their opinions of a 1 percent property tax cap, their qualifications and top priorities, collaboration efforts with Lewiston, healing City Council rancor and lowering property taxes.

Candidates were uniform in their low opinion of the proposed property tax cap. That it’s even being considered is a signal that voters are frustrated, according to at-large Councilor Bob Mennealy and at-large challenger David Pierson. It would have disastrous results for the city if approved, however.

“Right now, I pray to God that it does not happen,” Ward 3 Councilor Joe DeFilipp said.

Candidates were interested in an effort by the Twin Cities mayors to look for ways to cooperate, combine services and save money.

“It’s a good idea, for things like purchasing police cruisers,” Baillargeon said. “But to merge departments? I’d have to wait and see what the commission says.”

Ward 2 Candidate Jodd Bowles noted that both cities are considering building competing skate parks.

“It might make sense to start with something simple, like a skate park, as opposed to something complicated like a police department,” Bowles said.

“I’m excited about the idea,” Shields said, adding that she didn’t want to suggest changes to the mayors’ commission.

“I think it’s best to see what the group comes up with,” said Ward 3 candidate Eric Samson.

The candidates also agreed that the council needs better communication. Ward 4 Councilor Marcel Bilodeau suggested doing away with the council’s pre-meeting workshops, focusing more discussion on the regular meetings. Challenger Donna Lyons Rowell suggested letting councilors respond to public questions at meetings.

At-large Councilor Kelly Matzen said the sitting council was divided, but they had learned to work together. He pointed out that most votes on the council were unanimous.

“It’s important that we are respectful of each other,” Matzen said. “I think this council is very respectful, even of minority opinions.”

Ward 2 candidate Robert Hayes said he’d listen to taxpayers first, if elected.

The forum was broadcast live on Great Falls TV, and Morrison said it should begin heavy rotation on the public access channel through Election Day.