Tensions run high in Tory camp

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 13 2006
The race to represent the Conservative Party is mired in controversy. Dean Skoreyko, a Coldstream businessman, has set off a storm by inviting all nomination candidates to a public debate at the Schubert Centre Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. "The candidates don't have that authority to hold forums," said MP Colin Mayes, who also wants to represent the Tories in the next federal election. "Dean does not have the ability to set debates. It's up to the nomination committee." Mayes insists that there's a process to create a level playing field for all of the candidates and he won't attend the Aug. 23 debate. "Not unless it's a meeting set up by the committee." That is also the view of Al Schalm, a riding association executive member. He would not speak to The Morning Star but he referred all enquires to an e-mail he sent to Skoreyko. "At this point in time I am not aware that you are an official candidate. I know we have a selection committee. I am not aware that they have met with you or any of the other potential candidates," states Schalm in the e-mail. "Will the committee have had time to do a complete background check and all the other necessities before Aug. 23? For myself, I would expect to be informed by the candidate selection committee that you have passed muster before being informed about a debate." Skoreyko is defending his actions, saying the committee didn't hold any debates during the last nomination process. "I'm just having an open debate and I'm not doing it on anyone's behalf except myself," he said. "I want to make sure the membership has an opportunity (to get informed) because the timeline is tight." The close for nominations is this weekend, and a candidate could be selected in early September. "I think that any potential candidate of our party should have the ability to communicate their vision if they wish to represent us." Ray Ivey, chairman of the nomination committee, doesn't have any concerns about Skoreyko holding a debate. "The candidates themselves can campaign as long as it meets Elections Canada regulations and the (party) constitution," he said. "If it's a debate, it has nothing to do with the selection of a candidate. It's just campaigning."