Hold a meeting and they will come
About 150 local Liberals came out on a dour Sunday afternoon to participate in the political process. Meeting in the auditorium of the Alderville Community centre the candidates in the Lib-nom race appeared before the assembly. Billed as an All Candidates' Meeting, it really was a chance for the local Libs to strut their stuff (Yes we are still here and we're going to show them tories what for next time). the structured meeting saw the three candidates, Andrew McFadyen, Kim Rudd and Chris Herrington answer prepared questions. All pretense of spontenaity and surprise was taken out of the forum by allowing the candidates to have the question for a period of time prioe to the asking. Ten questions, chosen at random out of twelve submitted, had to be answered in two minutes. All candidates answered well, why wouldn't they they already had the answers, and nobody criticised each other and no-one could demonstrate anything other than the ability to answer canned questions. The obligatory Farm question came up first and all pledged to keep farmers in business.
Some notable quotes: the only line that drew applause came from Herrington in a question about "What would you do to win the Riding?" - "I promise not to send so many mailers". "Rudd said, When I spoke to Ignattieff, he told me that he wants strong business people who can advocate for their constituencies". McFadyen, "I have lived a lot of life in thirty-two years and I am the future of the Party".
OK should Libs feel good about this event, Yes they turned out 150 people to listen to speeches and questions in the middle of summer, But did I see any sign of renewal that all agree must take place? Not really, the majority of the audience were of an older demographic and most have only been libs all there lives. So where are the new people, not here, where is the enthusiasm to bang on doors? Probably not here. But if you want to raise money hit up these folks and then use TV to spread the message.
One lasting impression - I bet the Herrington people were kicking themselves for starting late, because if the cut off date of August 18 hadn't kicked in her membership figures would have been much higher, she performed very well. I can't vote, won't vote but I know who I would vote for!!
The most stupid statement by a Pol in many years - We only want tourists who spend money when they come to Cobourg!" - Bob (I made another silly statement) Spooner.
Some notable quotes: the only line that drew applause came from Herrington in a question about "What would you do to win the Riding?" - "I promise not to send so many mailers". "Rudd said, When I spoke to Ignattieff, he told me that he wants strong business people who can advocate for their constituencies". McFadyen, "I have lived a lot of life in thirty-two years and I am the future of the Party".
OK should Libs feel good about this event, Yes they turned out 150 people to listen to speeches and questions in the middle of summer, But did I see any sign of renewal that all agree must take place? Not really, the majority of the audience were of an older demographic and most have only been libs all there lives. So where are the new people, not here, where is the enthusiasm to bang on doors? Probably not here. But if you want to raise money hit up these folks and then use TV to spread the message.
One lasting impression - I bet the Herrington people were kicking themselves for starting late, because if the cut off date of August 18 hadn't kicked in her membership figures would have been much higher, she performed very well. I can't vote, won't vote but I know who I would vote for!!The most stupid statement by a Pol in many years - We only want tourists who spend money when they come to Cobourg!" - Bob (I made another silly statement) Spooner.
5 comments:
There were 5 questions submitted at the door that none of the candidates had seen. This All Candidates Event was with Liberal Candidates only, not the usual All Candidates Meeting that has all parties represented so it would be structured for that.
The 10 minute speeches from the candidates were well received. All three candidates spoke well, but Andrew McFadyen got the best applause. He gave us his vision for a renewed Liberal Party with enthusiasm, sincerity and the ability to deliver.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment.
With the provincial liberals about to sink into the mire of another scandal with the lottery mess, hot on the heels of the E Health horrors, and the faded memory of the federal liberal sponsorship scandals of the past being revived, I would have just one question for any liberal who wants my vote:
WHAT MEASURES WILL YOU PUT IN PLACE TO PREVENT ELECTED OFFICIALS, BUREAUCRATS AND CONSULTANTS FROM USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO UNFAIRLY ENRICH THEMSELVES AT OUR EXPENSE?
Cripes, sanctimonious Critic, there are other issues, or do the lenses of the self-righteous prevent you from seeing them. Try, try to think of some other questions to ask. Seriously, you may be right to grasp onto scandal. It's worked before.
Here's my question for the Liberal candidates:
What measures will you put in place to prevent unelected corporate directors, officers, and executives from using private funds to unfairly enrich themselves at our expense?
Here's another question:
What measures will you put in place to regulate the near-banking ('shadow banking') system whose instability was the cause of the recent financial meltdown?
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