The Telegram did voters a valuable service the last weekend of the campaign by printing responses from candidates in metro districts to two simple questions.
They asked the candidates to identify the single biggest issue in the district and how they would tackle it.
Some of the replies were fascinating.
Kevin Parsons, is in a dogfight for his seat in Cape St. Francis. He is the only candidate who didn’t reply to the Telegram at all.
Bill Kavanagh, the NDP candidate in Conception Bay East – Bell Island is running on the Liberal platform. He thinks public consultation is extremely important. He’s right. What’s interesting here is the NDP and Conservatives are criticising the Liberals for not having enough detail in their platform when they talk about consultation.
Dan Crummell, the Tory seeking re-election in St,. John’s West thinks he is the biggest issue facing the district and all his friends agree with him, apparently.
The best answer to any question came from Ryan Cleary. It’s probably the most honest comment Cleary’s made since he lied to CBC about how he changed parties:
Cleary: First, I would be shocked if I were elected. … .
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What’s the biggest issue facing your district?
Cape St. Francis - Kevin Parsons, Progressive Conservative (PC): No response as of deadline. [Nuff said]
Conception Bay East – Bell Island - Bill Kavanagh, Bell Island, NDP: There is a democratic deficit in this district and it’s a direct result of a lack of public consultation when it comes to decisions made by our politicians. [Interesting given the Liberal platform calls for lots of consultation and public input. The NDP and Conservatives call that a lack of detail.]
St. John’s West - Dan Crummell, St. John's, Progressive Conservative: Strong and effective representation by someone who lives in the district. [That’s his only talking point]
Windsor Lake - Ryan Cleary, St. John's, PC: Change.
