That is NOT something Christy Clark will do -- it is however, something that Sean Upshaw is firmly committed to!

Where has he been you say (well some will be glad I've been away for awhile), but it has been a busy few weeks, and a few changes in where things are at.  

Regardless, with only a couple of days until the Westside - Kelowna by-election (voting takes place on Wednesday), I wanted to be sure I had at least one post online before hand.

Let me start by saying sometimes I get accused of being negative, when it comes to politics in BC.  Personally, I like to think that in reality that I point out areas of concern, and where improvement might be needed here in our province.

BC Conservative candidate Sean Upshaw
meets with voter on the streets of Westside
Kelowna to talk issues and concerns.

That said ... through the general election in BC, and having spent Saturday with campaign volunteers for BC Conservative candidate Sean Upshaw, I know that  people at the 'ground' level, no matter what party they are affiliated with, are sincere in wishing BC to be a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

I had a chance to say hello to a couple of workers for both the NDP and the BC Liberals while in Kelowna that day, and that just reaffirmed this.

So with that in mind, I'd like to send out 'Kudo's' to all who give of their time and energy. 

Meantime, BC Conservative Party candidate Sean Upshaw, in the Westside Kelowna by-election, will continue right up to election day hitting the doors steps of the riding. Sean is a 'local' candidate that wants to serve the people of the Kelowna, and he knows what that means ... meeting people wherever they are ... whether on the street, in a coffee shop, buying groceries, or on the doorstep. 

He wants to be a true representative to the people of his community, which is why he continually reminds himself that the word 'serv'e, is in Conservative. 

The BC Provincial election is over, the Liberals won a majority, and there is NO need to fear the BC NDP coming to power. 

Christy Clark lost her own riding -- and it is obvious that the people of Vancouver Point Grey were not at all pleased with how she 'represented' them.  They gave her a chance the first time in a by-election ... they saw how she served them ... and they chose to elect someone else they felt would better do the job. 

SEAN UPSHAW; "Let me remind everyone that the word 'serve' is in Conservative"

Who is Westside-Kelowna BC Conservative candidate Sean Upshaw?  Well I asked Sean that very question, and here is what he had to say: 

Westside-Kelowna BC Conservative
candidate Sean Upshaw

Every story has a beginning.  Mine is similar to some, and greatly dissimilar to others.  I begin with this simply to let you know my early roots.  My parents divorced when I was 3. and I ended up in foster homes and between parents. Due to illness my Mom was on Disability Assistance; my father was an alcoholic. It was a challenging time for me as a child, and into my late teens. 

At age 18 I nearly died when I was stung by dozens of wasps, and I went into anaphylactic shock. I survived, and shortly after, I made a decision to make some major changes in my life.  Since then I have never looked back, and set myself on a path to be the best person I can. 

I have been married to my lovely wife, Heather, for almost 30 years. We moved here to Kelowna 11 years ago from Abbotsford, with our 3 children, Andrew, Sarah and Dave.  

Since then, Andrew has gotten married, to Ashley, and they have 2 children, Noah and Ezra. Sarah has been working with me for about 7 years. She did receive her real estate license, but is now working as my unlicensed assistant. Dave was working in real estate with us as well, but has recently moved to Vancouver with his fiancé, Jen. 

Heather and I have a dog named Sami. Some of my hobbies are spending time with my family, watching Canucks hockey and Golf, being out on the lake in the summertime, and vintage cars. I really enjoy studying the stars, the universe and physics. 

I am also a political junkie.  My political interest began when at the age of 10 in Camrose Alberta.  There I had the opportunity to meet, and shake the hand of, Premier Peter Lougheed. From that moment on, I grew to learn that that one individual can make a difference in this world. 

In the 2011 Federal Election I ran as an Independent Conservative Candidate in the Okanagan Coquihalla riding, and of course in the recent BC Provincial General Election, I ran as a candidate for the BC Conservatives. 

My record is that of a person who is well educated, a real

achiever who is not afraid to be innovative and take risks. 

I am loyal and committed to what is right, and to serving people whenever and wherever I am able. Even though I could have been held back by a challenging start to life, I have not let that hold me back from being the best person I can be. 

The reason I have chosen to run, in the Westside Kelowna by-election, is because our Province truly needs a Conservative government if we are to ever get out of the financial mess that the BC Liberals have put us in. 

It is not an easy task taking on a Premier, especially one who is as arrogant and cunning as the one we have now. 

Our province has been robbed from, lied too, and corrupted by this present Liberal government, but hopefully with new eyes on the situation, and the ability to speak first hand to it, they can finally be held to account. 

The BC Liberals have done a masterful job, of covering up their past, with a campaign that was paid for by the very taxpayers that are being deceived. I guess you could say we have sown the wind, and reaped to the whirlwind. Soon the chickens will come home to roost. 

Unfortunately it seems the media, in large part, are a big part of the problem. They have long passed the point of journalism and have been sold out to commercialism. The unbiased days of truth and fairness have been replaced with favoritism and greed, and the need to be populist instead realists. 

Am I being too honest?  

So I have chosen to run because I, like many BC Conservatives, am not under the “spell” of this agenda. 

I see my role in Victoria as one of fighting for truth in the midst of what Christy Clark herself has called a “sick” culture -- one I hope that a growing number of British Columbians will come to acknowledge as a role much in need of being filled. It certainly is not one that the NDP will take on, after all, they are as much a part of it, as the BC Liberals.

It’s sick. It’s a sick culture ... it’s really unhealthy. I was talking about the legislature

This is one of those blog posts where I will let the words of others do the talking ... including Christy Clark.  She, and others, have already said it so well. 

 

 

CBC (June 5th / 2013):
"We say names like WAC Bennett and Bill Bennett and we think of leadership — two great leaders who shaped our province," said Clark. 

 

National Post (Apr 13 / 2013):
It’s no secret that Christy Clark’s government has a credibility problem ... Ms. Clark continues to misinform, mislead and just make up stuff. 

 

Doug Morrison of Garibaldi Highlands (Vancouver Sun June 11 / 2013):
Today’s government policies on private power are in the process of bankrupting W.A.C. Bennett’s greatest contribution to the growth of the B.C. economy, BC Hydro, the “powerhouse of British Columbia.”.  Christy Clark has no right at all to be channeling the spirit of the great W.A.C. Bennett. 

 

 

Chilliwack Progress (Apr 22 / 13):
Clark said on Thursday that Strahl is an example of a retired federal politician who is "very actively helping us on this campaign and I'm really proud of the contribution (he's) making." 

 

Strahl confirmed that he has "no involvement" in Clark's or anyone else's campaign 

 

Vancouver Sun (June 11th)

...  Christy Clark’s BC Liberal government has significantly increased the maximum salaries it can pay to its top political staff ... boosts the maximum salary that can be handed to Clark’s Chief of Staff ... can now also make up to $230,000, representing a boost of almost 60 per cent from the position’s previous cap of $144,000. 

 

CKNW 980 on the Bill Good Show with Mike Smyth June 12th):
Finance Minister Mike de Jong is defending surprise Liberal pay increases for political staff, even as his government preaches austerity.  

 

CBC News (June 7th / 2013):
Delta South Independent MLA Vicki Huntington says she is dismayed over the $25 monthly fee charged for wheelchairs or wheelchair cushions. 

Did the BC Liberals win a majority government because they had Christy Clark as their leader? We'll find out soon enough, once the by-election is actually called.

Yes a 'Win For The Ages' for the BC Liberal
Party -- but was it a win for her leadership?

Does Christy Clark deserve a free-pass, in Westside-Kelowna, to get in to the legislature?

I certainly don't think so ... and regardless, two teams are in place who will indeed challenge her ability to be in the legislature as an elected Premier.  And, perhaps even one or two strong independent candidate will also step forward in the days ahead.  

Lots has been written in the news media over the past week and a half ... here is just a snapshot. 

MacLeans (June 5th)
Clark was defeated in her Vancouver-Point Grey riding, where she spent little time as she toured the province. The Liberals were widely expected to get badly pummelled in the vote and the party’s come-from-behind win to increase its number of seats in the legislature is largely attributed to Clark’s campaign skills. 

The Liberals said on election night she sacrificed her own riding to do it, making a byelection necessary. 

Vancouver Province (June 5th)
... said ... that she felt that Kelowna “is a natural political home for me and the values I believe in.”

“This is the cradle of free enterprise,” Clark said, noting that premiers WAC Bennett and his son Bill Bennett represented the people of Kelowna during their long reigns. “Among all the offers that I received from MLAs, this one felt the most natural.”  

BC NDP (June 5th)
We are looking forward to running a strong campaign with an Okanagan candidate against the Premier in Westside-Kelowna. 

The BC NDP will run a candidate with local roots who can offer the people of Kelowna and West Kelowna a strong, local voice in the legislature. 

The local constituency association will choose our candidate and we will be in a position to announce who that is in due course. 

The Armchair Mayor (June 6th)
I’m not one of those who gets all sentimental about Christy Clark “deserving” a seat in the B.C. Legislature ... 

Westside-Kelowna is a strange choice for Clark. She’s from the Coast, after all.

... according to Clark, though, Kelowna is her “natural political home.” Apparently, she’s had an epiphany after all these years. Clark, who lives in Vancouver-Fairview, lost in Vancouver-Point Grey. She is a Lower Mainlander through and through, but suddenly her political heart is in the Interior. 

... this being a democracy, the people should have a say, and she should have to earn her seat. 

We should only do it if we have the gumption to say the BC Conservatives do have a future, and will be a 'strong' and 'viable' option for voters

Kelowna Westside MLA Ben Stewart to step
down.  Photograph:by Adrian Lam
(Victoria imes Colonist)

Following the announcement Christy Clark was preparing to call a by-election in the riding of Kelowna-Westyside (after the winning candidate, BC Liberal Ben Stewart, stepped down) I was asked if I thought the BC Conservative Party should run a candidate against her. 

I SAID YES!

I think we should --- we gave her a pass first time round when she ran to get a seat in legislature after becoming leader; she doesn't deserve another one 

She ran the BC Liberal Party, and the government, her way.  Her personal stamp was on everything.

On May 14th residents of Vancouver Point Grey said what they thought of that, and she lost.  BC Conservative will of course have to recognize the ever raising 'vote-split' arguement will rear its ugly head again -- that however should NOT be a consideration, and there will have to be a plan and strategy in place for that. 

AGAIN ... I think we should run a candidate ... and put every ounce of energy we can in to it.  We should only do it however if we have the gumption to say the BC Conservative Party does have a future, and will be a 'strong' and 'viable' option for voters to support.  That however is my personal opinion and others may not share it -- so be it.

Just so you know I'm willing to back up my beliefs, I have just made a $55 donation to BC Conservatives for the Kelowna campaign. 

Anyone else willing to show the party we still want to give BC a REAL choice .. a real alternative to BOTH the BC Liberals and the NDP?  Here's the link to go to: https://secure.bcconservative.ca/?f=donate

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... with the "independent" thoughts of one conservative.

ELECTIONS BC: Chilliwack-Hope and Port Moody-Coquitlam By-elections Called for April 19, 2012

The following media release was sent out by Elections BC 0on Thursday March 22, 2012.  While we all know the by-election has been called, and who is running, this release contained more details on the mechanics of the by-elections:

VICTORIA – By-elections will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 to elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Chilliwack-Hope and Port Moody-Coquitlam electoral districts. The seats became vacant when Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Iain Black resigned on Monday, October 3, 2011 and Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner resigned on January 9, 2012.

“British Columbia offers voters an accessible and flexible voting process, ensuring that all citizens who are eligible to vote are able to do so,” said Keith Archer, Chief Electoral Officer.

“Elections BC is committed to administering the voting process in British Columbia with the needs of voters in mind.”

Residents of the two electoral districts will be eligible to vote if they are 18 years of age or older on Thursday, April 19, 2012, (General Voting Day), they are a Canadian citizen and they have lived in B.C. for the past six months.

And we’re off …

Christine Clarke, BC Conservative
candidate for Port Moody - Coquitlam

Since late yesterday, one media outlet after the other has been running stories that British Columbians in the riding's of Port Moody – Coquitlam … and Chilliwack Hope … will be going to the polls soon.  The date of the vote, according to the media, will be April 19^th.

Here’s one of the latest stories, this one from the Vancouver Sun this morning; “Christy Clark to call B.C. by-elections today”:

Premier Christy Clark will today call by-elections in B.C.'s two vacant riding's, meaning voters there will be going to the polls on April 19.

The by-elections will take place in Port Moody-Coquitlam and Chilliwack-Hope, which were made vacant after resignations by Liberal MLA's Iain Black and Barry Penner.

The call will spark a showdown between Liberal candidate Dennis Marsden, New Democratic Party candidate Joe Trasolini and B.C. Conservative Christine Clarke in Port Moody-Coquitlam

In Chilliwack-Hope, Liberal Laurie Throness will face off against NDP candidate Gwen O'Mahony and John Martin of the Conservatives.

Clark had until April 7 to legally call the by-election in Port Moody-Coquitlam, and until July 30 to make the call in Chilliwack-Hope.

Voters in these two riding's have been waiting for Christy Clark to call these by-elections, but understandably, with things not looking good for her government, she has long delayed. 

BC POLITICS … the week that began Feb 11th

This week’s news wrap is going up this morning, and one item is still to be announced, but that we all know will be coming … relief to BC’s construction industry on the HST.

Court backlogs continued to make the news, but political news this week in BC also included the release of yet another report on seniors care … and concerns by the Auditor General around BC forests. 

Now … here’s just a few of the stories that made the news this week …

Political science prof sees by-election win by BC Conservative

Political scientist Hamish Telford is placing his bet — if he were a gambling man — on the BC Conservatives to win the upcoming by-election in Chilliwack-Hope … believes the “odds are stacked” against the BC Liberals holding the riding because of “broad dissatisfaction” among voters with the party’s performance in government …

'Disgusting' court backlog may free hit and run accused  

'My kids don't have a mom,' man says after wife's death ... family of a young mother killed in a hit and run is outraged the case against the alleged driver is among thousands in BC at risk of being thrown out because of a huge court backlog.  “We were told it could possibly get thrown away because of time delay”  … “It’s disgusting. It’s absolutely disgusting.” …

BC by-elections in limbo as Premier's popularity takes a hit

… the Liberals rightly know this by-election will be different … they can’t afford to see a Liberal stronghold slip from their fingers … victory for the BC Conservatives would give the party credibility and possibly its first sitting MLA … win for the NDP would give the New Democrats further motivation as they prepare to ride their current wave of popularity into next year’s general election …

John Cummins’ NDP vote a ‘scare tactic,’ says BC Conservative candidate

John Martin, the BC Conservative candidate in Chilliwack-Hope, said scare tactics are not going to push the riding’s small-c conservatives into voting for the BC Liberal candidate.  “The BC Liberals are trying to make people feel guilty and scared, that they owe them their vote.  They’re not defending their record, but scaring people that they have to vote Liberal or have this prospect of an NDP government.” …

Judge slaps Liberals over court funding

... point is based on a sharply worded judgment by Judge Daniel Steinberg three weeks ago in which he stayed charges against a suspect as a direct payback to the government for under-funding the justice system … the latest in a series of increasingly bitter complaints from the judiciary about how clogged the courts are … while Clark tried last week to buy time with a study of the underlying problems, judgments like Steinberg's are going to put a lot of pressure on her to do something more, and fast …

John Cummins and the BC Conservative Party are indeed, “moving prudently” … and I too believe “he’s right”

Late last week I wrote the following words:

Oh good grief ... why oh why did I ever even consider looking at something A___  T___ had written ... it has been months since "I" let him get my blood boiling. Argghhhh!  Is the reason he hates the BC Conservatives, almost as much as the NDP, because he didn't get a personal invitation to share all of his political acumen with the party??

One person posed the question, “Interesting point - I wonder if that is the case with him?”

Another said, “A___ passed his "best-before" date years ago.  Bitter, bitter man.”

Meantime, someone with an ounce (or is that a milligram?) of smarts, that wasn’t reading him, said, “What did he write this time?”

A___ T ___ wrote the following I said; "The problem is the continuing gong show that has become the BC Conservative Party. Missed opportunities on various issues lately and their mixed messaging on the by-elections has given rise to rumors that their ascension may have stalled..."

To which I responded, “It would be nice if he'd either say nothing at all, or look at the people making the decision and give them some credit for having some political smarts”.  Well a reply was not long in showing up that brought my blood pressure down a NOTCH OR TWO:

The weeks news from BC’s wonderful wild and wacky world of politics

Things are continuing to heat up, and get interesting, in BC’s wonderful wild and wacky world of politics.  Without any further ado, let’s get to some of the stories that have made the news … in a big way … and some that perhaps should have …

That’s Christine Clark — no, not Christy — running for B.C. Conservatives in Port Moody by-election

… a devoted conservative, who believes strongly in smaller government and lower taxes as the path to a healthy economy … running because she believes British Columbians deserve a representative in Victoria who will fight to keep taxes low, work to find creative solutions to issues in health care and take back education from union bosses, placing it instead in the hands of parents and school boards … has a wide range of experience, both as a manger and as an entrepreneur …  specializes in the business side of technology and education … proven an effective negotiator, and an analytical, impartial and proactive decision maker and problem solver …

Success of B.C. NDP Leader Dix has Liberals firing blanks

… the just-concluded legislative session showed a different Mr. Dix than many expected. He was measured, pointed in his criticism, supportive of Liberal legislation that made sense, and effective … performance frustrated those on the government benches, who had hoped to contrast a personable Premier against a dour Mr. Dix. It didn’t happen … the Liberals were left railing against a long-ago misdating of a key memo … a serious mistake he has acknowledged many times  …

Michael Smyth: Critics question Trasolini’s motives

 … He was particularly pally with another local Lib by the name of Christy Clark … co-chaired Clark’s 1996 election campaign in Port Moody. She returned the favour by backing him for mayor … If Joe was going to make the jump to provincial politics, everybody assumed it would be as a Liberal …  now that Trasolini has burned his Liberal bridges, the Libs want to burn him but good….

Cummins: Increased deficit demonstrates Liberal government unable to set funding priorities

“… priorities should be maintaining and improving services such as CLBC, sheriffs and education – not these pet projects of the Premier.”  The increase to the deficit undermines the Liberal commitment to balance the budget by 2013/14. While Minister Falcon has stated that it is still possible for the government to meet its target, he has failed to provide a substantive plan for doing so and is backing away from the Liberal’s promise to achieve it.

Clark could roll the dice on spring election

… Christy Clark, gave Penner a hug, and then told reporters his resignation actually might be a good thing for the Liberals. "People want to see us renew.  They want to see some new people come to the table with new ideas, It's an opportunity for us, frankly." … why would you want to "renew" one of your best MLAs, in one of your party's safest seats? … other Liberal MLAs wondering just what the premier was getting at, and there are rumours some of them might be encouraged to retire, so Clark can move those new people and new ideas into position in by-elections...

Will she or won't she ...

As Keith Baldrey has pointed out, the window for Christy Clark to call an election is shrinking if she plans to call one for this Fall.

She has the fate of the HST vs. the PST / GST, which has been delayed now, as voters will getting a few extra weeks to get ballots in.

That plus she has to be concerned with where John Cummins will be taking the BC Conservative Party -- as they put the finishing touches to a new policy platform -- in readiness for a possible Fall election.

Neither the NDP or the BC Liberal Party is gaining ground on the other ... meantime the BC Conservatives have been continuing to make ground with voters in the province.

Will we have an election this Fall??? ... right now I think it's a 50 / 50 shot.

Read Keith Baldrey's full story -- click HERE

BC Politics This Week

Extra, Extra … read all about it.  This is the week that was in BC Political news … well some of the stories anyway.  Have a great weekend and I’ll be back again on Monday …

B.C. Premier Clark narrowly avoids political disaster with by-election win
Ms. Clark said earlier this week that a win would be a win, dismissing Mr. Eby’s suggestion she would have to match Gordon Campbell’s results for a true victory.

How quickly Christy Clark has forgotten her radio host roots

Not that long ago, Christy Clark the radio host would have had a field day with Christy Clark the politician.

Cummins thinks B.C. Conservatives can win

There's a big whack of votes out there that are going to come to the BC Conservatives, said Cummins. We have a good chance of forming government after the next election.

Vancouver Point Grey -- will Christy win?

A few weeks back I conducted a very non-scientific poll on whether or not Christy Clark would win election tonight.  The results showed that 56% believed she would not.  We'll find out soon.

Much more is at stake in the by-election than simply filling a seat

Tomorrow, Wednesday May 11^th, voters in Vancouver Point Grey go to the polls in a by-election ... a by-election to replace former premier Gordon Campbell, who resigned the seat just two short months ago.

But ... much more is at stake in the by-election than simply filling a seat. The reality is that the 41,181 voters in that riding will be passing judgement, for the rest of us, on the political future of Christy Clark -- and the BC Liberal Party.

If Clark loses, the results will be terminal for her, and the BC Liberals.

With the words, 'I don't think that British Columbian's want an unelected premier without a mandate,' Christy Clark set up the start for her return to the BC legislature – first though she'll actually need to win the by-election she's called for Vancouver Point Grey.

In calling the by-election for May 11, in the affluent riding of Vancouver Point Grey, which includes Kitsilano and UBC, Clark is challenging a 30-year tradition that has seen the party in government lose 17 straight by-elections. The last exception was in 1981 when Claude Richmond won in Kamloops for the Social Credit Party.

BC Lieutenant Governor responds in one day!

All I can say is WOW!  Yesterday I sent an email to the Lieutenant Governor of BC and I have received a reply in just one day. 

Last Spring / early summer I contacted my MLA’s office with regards to the HST and he never did get back to me.  I also tried the Ministry of Finance, and it took them 2 and a half months to send me a ‘cookie cutter’ response.

I have never had any kind of dealings with the office of the Lieutenant Governor before so I have nothing to compare this too – however I think it’s wonderful they responded that quickly.

I posted my question to the Lieutenant Govenor in a blog story earlier today entitled, What requirements are there for someone to be called / declared the Premier of BC?  If you are interested in the response I received then read on …  

Dear Mr. Forseth:

Your email of April 13, 2011, addressed to the Lieutenant Governor has been directed to me for attention and response.

Christy Clark has responsibilty to get elected as MLA for Vancouver Point Grey

BC Legislative Buildings

Christy Clark is not a member of the Legislature … she has the opportunity to become one

Christy Clark is not a MLA for any Constituency … she has the opportunity to run in one

No one can sit in the BC Legislature unless elected by the people … she has the opportunity

Dear Christy ... the legislation is NOT open to adjustment ... or interpretation.

Alan Forseth

Kamloops, BC

 March 24^th, 2011

Premier Christy Clark

BC Legislature

Victoria, BC

Dear Christy,

You do not know me, however consider me to be one of many like minded British Columbians, who have no appetite or desire for a provincial election.  Please take pity on us!

Michael Ignatieff and the rest of your Liberal friends and associates in Ottawa – and their buddies the NDP and Bloc -- already plan to send us to the polls AGAIN for the kuzillianth time in a few years.  Great – we get to vote in a federal election that will again change absolutely nothing; although perhaps the voters of Canada will have the last laugh on Ignatieff and give Steven Harper and the Conservative a majority government.

Liberal backstabbing and intrigue in Vancouver Quilchena … and Vancouver Point Grey

Yesterday (March 15^th) former BC Premier Gordon Campbell resigned his Vancouver Point Grey seat, in the BC Legislature, after nearly two decades of service.

In a release to the media, Gordon Campbell stated, “It has been an honour to serve the people of British Columbia as an MLA, as the leader of the Opposition, and as premier.”

"There are few things more rewarding than serving in public life and I feel fortunate to have had such an opportunity to do so for nearly three decades in a province and a city that I love."

In 1994 Gordon Campbell originally won the Vancouver Quilchena riding in a by-election (with nearly 68% of the vote) after Art Cowie resigned for him in November of 1993. Thus begins a tale in intrigue, and backstabbing, that continues today.