Shaking things up

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 30, 2008

If it actually happens, it could be a political resurrection that has deep implications across the region and beyond. Darrel Stinson is letting it be known loud and clear that he is bored of fighting cancer and that has him casting an eye to something he loves – serving the community and taking a stand. “I am not a happy camper with what’s going on provincially or federally,” said the former MP during an interview Tuesday. “I have heard from so many people who have fallen through the cracks and have no where to turn.” And if the fact that people are turning to Stinson for help surprises you, it shouldn’t. During his 12 years as Okanagan-Shuswap’s man in Ottawa, he gained a reputation for rolling up his sleeves and helping constituents having pension problems or difficulties getting their passport. There is also the reality that many residents identify with Stinson – the little guy from the Interior who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps and calls a spade a spade. Even when he challenged fellow MPs to fisticuffs, that style appealed to many who willingly cast an X for him during the four elections in which he not only topped the polls, but often left his competitors in the dust.

What is interesting is that any possible political aspiration isn’t just federal in nature. During the interview, Stinson kept referring to his concerns about the provincial Liberal government in Victoria. “I am getting stressed out listening to what’s going on with Vernon Jubilee Hospital. It’s a crime,” he said. And issues around health care are very personal for Stinson as he continues to keep doctor’s appointments and undergo tests. “I have talked to patients who are really suffering and I’ve seen the equipment doctors are using,” he said. When pressed further, Stinson admits there is a possibility that he could run as an independent in Okanagan-Vernon in the next provincial election, but he is also investigating the B.C. Conservative Party. You wouldn’t think that longtime MLA Tom Christensen would have to worry about about being re-elected. But Stinson is a household entity, and the very issue that is stimulating his interest is also the Liberals’ weak point. In fact, traditional support for the Liberals locally could erode if almost daily code purples and hallway beds at VJH continue.

But perhaps the one individual that should be worried the most about the possible reappearance of Stinson is our sitting MP, Colin Mayes. There is some history between the two as Mayes previously sought the federal Conservative nomination when Stinson held the job. And since being elected, Mayes has not clicked with some party diehards, particularly those who were extremely loyal to Stinson. Mayes, at this time, is the party’s official candidate, but depending on when the next federal election is, there may be the need to go through another nomination process. That could open the door for Stinson to seek the Conservative mantle again, or he could declare that he is running as an independent. If Mayes and Stinson were both on the ballot and splitting the right-of-centre vote, that could lead to another party coming up the middle and claiming victory in Okanagan-Shuswap. Of course, Stinson’s future will ultimately depend on his health and family commitments, but the sheer fact that he is talking about re-entering politics could shake things up.