HST recall application rejected as too wordy

CBC News Thursday, November 25, 2010 | 5:14 AM PT

Fight HST organizers are learning to dot all their i's, cross all their t's — and now, count all their words — when it comes to launching the first recall drive against a Canadian politician.  Elections B.C. has rejected the application for recall in the suburban Victoria riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head, saying it contains too many words.  Fight HST leader Bill Vander Zalm says acting chief electoral officer Craig James turned down the application, ruling that MLA and HST are not two words, but a total of eight. When the acronyms are replaced by member of the legislative assembly and harmonized sales tax, the application to recall Sciences and Universities Minister Ida Chong exceeds the 200-word allotment. Vander Zalm is fuming about the rejection, accusing James of obstruction and demanding that he resign. More than 150 canvasser applications have also been tossed, but organizers aren't giving up, saying they will demand a quick decision from Elections B.C. when the recall petition and canvasser details are resubmitted on Thursday.
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DOCUMENTS:
Number Of Words In Proponent Statement
Recall Application Response Nov 24 2010
Statement For Petition Nov 4
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Nov 25, 2010 FIGHT HST

BILL VANDER ZALM CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF ELECTIONS BC ACTING CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER CRAIG JAMES
Vander Zalm: Elections BC decision to reject Recall application for Oak Bay-Gordon Head based on “too long word count” continues pattern of obstruction and incompetence