I love politics - especially federal politics.
Federal politics in this country is never boring. There are always lots of stories to tell and rumours that make for even better headlines.
One such juicy rumour caught my attention this week.
Laura Walz, editor of Powell River Peak, our sister paper, found out that David Emerson, the MP for Vancouver-Kingsway who ran under the Liberal banner then, after winning his seat, defected to the Tories, is considering running in this riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country instead of facing angry voters in his own constituency.
On paper, I can see why this move might be attractive to Emerson.
John Reynolds owned this riding for many years and served admirably. John Weston, the Tory candidate of record, put in a good showing running as a first-time political candidate, garnering 30 per cent of the vote on the Sunshine Coast. Emerson would probably have as good a shot as anyone to reclaiming the seat for the Conservatives. But I think he should stay put and run in Vancouver-Kingsway.
I think he owes it to the voters in that riding to stand up and be accountable for his actions. He's taken a lot of heat for crossing the floor and so far has never fully addressed the issue with his constituents.
I also think the Conservatives should give Weston another shot here in this riding.
It's not like Weston was buried by current MP Blair Wilson. Weston put up a good fight and he should be given the chance to win the nomination again.
I'll admit when I first met Weston, I was not impressed. And when I first heard him speak publicly in Sechelt during Canada Day festivities, I quietly wondered how he had won the party nomination.
He didn't have the presence or command of the crowd like Reynolds did. But as the campaign started and Weston got a bit more comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, he started to grow on me. And on election night, I thought he handled the loss with class and respect for his opponent.
Weston said this week that he had contacted Prime Minister Stephen Harper about the rumour. To Harper's know-ledge, there was no truth to it, and Emerson was staying put.
I hope that remains the case. Parachuting Emerson into this riding would be a bad move for the Conservatives.Another topic that has garnered my attention this week is Sunshine Coast Emergency Social Services (SCESS).
SCESS held an emergency scenario last Saturday in Gibsons. By all accounts the exercise was a success, but one troubling aspect to the event was an apparent lack of volunteers.
According to emergency officials, trained volunteers are needed up and down the Coast to assist in the event of a disaster. There isn't anyone in the Pender Harbour area yet. I can only imagine what would happen if a major flood or earthquake hit the West Coast. Who would people turn to for aid? Where would people go to get information and support?
I know there are many who volunteer their time for lots of wonderful causes and organizations in this community. But what could be more important than an organization like SCESS?
If you're willing and able, read more about this great organization on page A4 of today's paper - and get involved.
