Mayes blasts Skoreyko’s actions

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffAug 09 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The race to represent the Conservatives is turning nasty. Colin Mayes, Okanagan-Shuswap MP, is concerned about Dean Skoreyko’s decision to resign as Conservative riding association president to run against him for the party’s nomination. “I’m very disappointed that someone on the board has been promoting himself and not the party and the duly elected MP,” Mayes said, referring to Skoreyko’s regular column in the Daily Courier. “The amount of articles written are not normal for a constituency association member.” Mayes beat out Skoreyko for the nomination last year, and has only been MP since January. He doesn’t believe Skoreyko’s decision indicates a rift within local Conservatives. “I don’t see any fractures in the party or the board. Many board members have been great supporters,” he said. “I believe I’ve been very effective and established myself as an active MP in Ottawa.” Mayes says the nomination race could divert attention away from his regular duties, but he is up to the challenge. “There’s a lot at stake and I have to let people know what is going on and to support me.” Skoreyko responded to Mayes’ comments by pointing out that Mayes ran against former MP Darrel Stinson for the nomination in 2000. “If it’s good for the goose, why isn’t it good for the gander?” he said. “He ran against a popular MP but he seems to have a sense of entitlement that he shouldn’t be challenged by others.” Skoreyko says he has views beyond just those impacting the party and that’s what he tries to reflect in his writings in the Courier. “My columns don’t have anything to do with promoting him or the party. They’re my personal views.” The Conservatives have established a tight timeline for nominations in case the minority government falls over the softwood lumber issue. Locally, new memberships can be sold until Saturday and a nomination meeting will be held Sept. 9.