by Michael Newman

I was not impressed by the manner in which MLA John Slater was dumped by the BC Liberal Party. He was declared unsuitable for unspecified “personal issues.” What are the voters to make of this? Personal issues could range from poor health to a history of serial puppy abuse. Are we to simply fill in the blank with our own imagining or engage in a whispering campaign based on the juiciest possibility?

This is the vilest of smears.  The Party have put in the knife and then pretended it was too discreet to mention the reason.

It was particularly disappointing to have the appointed candidate, Linda Larson, participate with her comment in the Oliver Chronicle that she knows and understands the reasons without giving any indication of the issue.

I am aware of serious personal issues for BC Liberal President Sharon White, BC Liberal Executive Director Mike McDonald and candidate Linda Larson that, I believe, makes them unsuitable to hold positions within the party or the legislature. Their personal issue is that none of them have the strength of character to be open and honest with the electorate of the South Okanagan.

If there is a compelling reason to dump Mr. Slater then tell us. If you quail at the possibility of a libel or slander suit then clam up. Don’t smear and insinuate.

I think many Canadians recognize that the difference between our political parties is not great and that the most important aspect of a candidate isn’t the platform but his or her character. Will they be straight and honest with us?