Candidates Square Off At Vernon Forum

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 30 April 2013 06:02 
 It was one of the larger turnouts for the Vernon Monashee all-candidate forums.  About 150 came out to hear the hopefuls on a wide variety of topics at the Greater Vernon Performing Arts Centre Monday night. One of the more lively debates was on private-public  partnerships like the one used to build and run the new Vernon hospital tower. Liberal Eric Foster says P-3's have moved the province forward, allowing public buildings to be constructed. New Democrat Mark Olsen feels they have only moved BC into insurmountable debt. "They are nothing more than a perk for private industry," said Olsen. The topic of Greater Vernon amalgamation also managed to make it on the agenda. The candidates were asked if they would push for Areas B, C, and Coldstream joining Vernon. Olsen says he wouldn't force it on anyone. "We would work with local governments." Foster says he would like to see it go to referendum if there was a mood for change. "It's one of the questions I get asked the most about," said Foster, MLA the last four years. In one of the rare moments of agreement on the night, Conservative Scott Anderson backed Foster's position on the issue, and the need for a public vote. "I completely agree with Eric." The candidates also faced some different topics than at previous events. In response to a question, Foster says consolidating BC school districts should be looked at, as there's duplication of services. Anderson says the four candidates recently 'fired' by the Tories, are a result of the party holding itself to higher standards. "Any party starting out can expect those problems." Olsen says a discussion needs to take place about decriminalizing marijuana. "Adrian Dix says he's in favour of decriminalizing small amounts." Independent climate change crusader Korry Zepik also answered questions from the crowd. He says climate change is happening five times faster than standard models predicted, and he has no use for the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.