Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Forum proves we need a debate between Lake, McLeod and Currie

Oct 9, 2019 | 4:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — FEDERAL ELECTION FORUMS at the local level aren’t of much value when it comes to party policies because we’ve heard it all before from the leaders.

What is worthwhile about them is seeing how candidates handle themselves.

That was the case at Tuesday night’s forum at TRU. The turnout was much lighter than such forums in previous election years but those who did attend got a sense of what the candidates are made of.

The forum was ponderous — which is what happens when you allow too many questioners to make speeches and let all seven candidates respond to almost every question — with only a dozen-plus questions fitting into two hours.

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Terry Lake had the roughest night, drawing some hoots with his answers on SNC Lavelin and the environment but he’s pretty much stuck with the Liberal party line on those.

His main rival, Conservative Cathy McLeod, mostly avoided rolling her eyes and making faces every time Lake spoke, which hasn’t always been the case.

Iain Currie of the Greens showed passion on the climate change issue, which proved to be the liveliest topic among an eclectic mix of concerns from the audience.

Based on electability and knowledge of policies, only three of the seven candidates deserved to be on the stage. I’m all for encouraging anyone who wants to grow up to be a candidate to go for it, but they don’t need to be at every forum.

The Communist, Animal Protection Party and People’s Party candidates only served to take time away from the contenders. And, not to be unkind, but the NDP needed a candidate who can answer questions without flipping through a policy book.

A debate featuring only Lake, McLeod and Currie — now that would be worth watching.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.