All-candidates forum a valuable opportunity for voters

Apr 21, 2017 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The three main political party leaders were feisty this week as they engaged in their first big debate.

Christy Clark, John Horgan and Andrew Weaver took repeated swipes at each other in the pseudo-radio debate that was also televised.

It speaks to the tone of this campaign being much more confrontational than the last time around.

In 2013, then-NDP Leader Adrian Dix tried to take the high road by not getting nasty, and looked to have no backbone when Clark took on the back alley brawler persona.

You can bet Horgan, who clearly takes his cues from the NDP’s union roots, won’t be afraid to take shot after shot at Clark.

It will be interesting to see whether that more aggressive tone translates to the local level.

But that’s not the only good reason to turn up to the prime all-candidates forum in Kamloops next Tuesday.

In this position, I get a chance to talk to politicians all the time.

I can ask them about any policy put forward by their party, or by another.

Strangely though, I’ve never encountered one at my doorstep.

Candidates seem to talk about their door-knocking escapades non-stop during campaign time, and they each seem to deem the activity quite valuable.

But at any level of government, those candidates haven’t found my place.

Maybe you are in the same position, never getting to talk to your candidates about what’s important to you, because they haven’t paid you a visit.

If that’s the case, the all-candidates forum Tuesday evening at TRU is the place for you.

There will be nearly two hours of time dedicated to taking questions from the public, with two experienced moderators helping to keep the evening flowing quickly and efficiently.

Tighten the screws on these candidates.

Put them on the hot seat.

See if they can think on their feet.

It’s your right, and we’re happy to give you that opportunity.