Last Sunday I attended an all candidates meeting for the Cowichan Valley, facilitated by Revolve Cowichan. It was interesting to hear Eden Haythornwaite (Independent Socialist) and Cammy Lockwood (Green) respond thoughtfully to a wide range of questions put forward by the public. Schooling, homelessness, transport, healthcare and environmental concerns were just some of the topics addressed.
Unfortunately, Debra Toporowski (NDP) declined to attend, and John Koury (Conservative party of BC) evidently did not respond to a number of email invitations.
It is disappointing that people who desire to be elected are absent from this kind of community event. How can they hope to stand up in the Legislature and represent our interests when they are unwilling to attend a low key, informal and very respectful event such as this?
I understand that there are a couple more all candidates opportunities in the near future. Hopefully these absentees will muster the courage to come and answer concerns forwarded by their prospective voters regarding issues that they care deeply about.
Lewis Mackay
Duncan
