Into the thick of another tedious federal election, a couple of notes on the local campaigns that could make for a slightly more interesting race locally:
Several local Conservative insiders are expressing their disappointment - and anger - at the way the recent selection of the party’s candidate for the Okanagan - Coquihalla riding came about.
It has resulted in a fairly unique situation, with the announcement by potential candidate Sean Upshaw of his candidacy as an Independent Conservative.
The result of having two candidates with expressed Conservative views could have a negative impact on both candidates’ chances.
The party itself has kept pretty quiet about the controversy, which some see as an affront to the democratic process.
We feel that the most important issue in this case is that of representation.
Is the candidate truly representative of the residents of Okanagan Coquilalla? Would he have been chosen over the potential candidates who didn’t get their nomination papers filed in time?
In the BC Southern Interior riding, the Liberal candidate may find herself at odds with the voters as she attempts to get elected without even being a resident of the riding. She may also feel the wrath of voters in the Lower Similkameen, who are noticeably absent in her website greeting to the constituents, which says:
“Hello BC Southern Interior riding:
Princeton, Hedley, Olalla, Oliver, Osoyoos, Greenwood, Midway, Grand Forks, Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale, Castlegar, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, New Denver, Silverton, and Kaslo and rural residents and businesses along the way...”
What happened to Keremeos and Cawston?
We think that if you’re going to parachute into a riding, at least take the time to look at the map to see where the voters live.