Hopefuls debate at board of trade event
Oct 07, 2008 - 09:13 AM
By Keith Gilligan
DURHAM -- The platforms were followed as candidates in Ajax-Pickering Riding were put to the test during an all-candidates' debate.
Hosted by the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and attended by about 50 people last Wednesday, the six hopefuls stuck to the party line while answering questions.
Kevin Norng, the Christian Heritage Party candidate, said the CHP is the only pro-life, pro-family party.
"Our social, moral policies worked in the past and will work in the future."
One of the CHP's main planks is to "eliminate the federal income tax and replace it with a sales tax," Mr. Norng said.
Green candidate Mike Harilaid joked about his positions, saying, "I've never hugged a tree and I don't wear hemp pants."
Developing a sustainable economy is the basis of the Green Party, he said, adding families are usually left to pick up the tab of election promises made by political parties.
Rick Johnson, the Conservative candidate, spoke of his community involvement, saying that "building on our community, you need someone in caucus. We need a strong voice in Ottawa.
"Our plan, a Canadian plan, is to lower taxes. The Liberals' plan is higher taxes," Mr. Johnson said.
"The first thing we need in this campaign is honesty," Liberal Mark Holland said. "The Conservative saying the Liberals will hurt the economy is blatantly false.
"We want to lower taxes," he said, adding even conservatives in the United States are pushing for a carbon-based tax.
"Conservative orthodoxy led to the problems in the U.S.," Mr. Holland said.
Stephanie Wilson, a Pickering resident running for the Libertarian Party, said her party doesn't believe in handouts.
"We're fiscally conservative and socially liberal," she said. "If you like fiscal conservatism, but you also like social liberalism, the Libertarians are the best of both worlds."
"This election is about deciding who will put you and your family first," said Bala Thavarajasoorier, the New Democratic Party hopeful. "Stephen Harper has made it clear who they will put first. It's the boardroom table, not the kitchen table."
"We need change for the better. The Conservatives and Liberals have run out of ideas," Mr. Thavarajasoorier said. "Stephen Harper is borrowing or stealing ideas to run over our beautiful country."
"You don't have to vote to necessarily win," Ms. Wilson said. "Send a vote for your values and beliefs. You don't have to choose left or right. You can choose forward."
Mr. Holland defended the party's Green Shift plan, saying, "Just because it's difficult to explain something in 10 seconds doesn't mean it's not a good idea."
People should think about the future and think "Who did I vote for?" Mr. Harilaid said. "The shift to a green economy, a new model, is something we can do together. What message can you send? What did Ajax and Pickering do to make the world better?"
"We need a strong voice in caucus," Mr. Johnson said. "To make the country better, the only way to do it is to have a strong person in caucus. Who do you trust in uncertain economic times?" he asked.
"Wouldn't you rather have someone who lives his life based on timeless principles?" Mr. Norng asked.
Recommend :
Latest News
Car fire in Ajax TuesdayAJAX -- A car was destroyed in a late night fire in Ajax Tuesday night. The blaze destroyed a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am parked in the driveway at 60 Burcher Rd. Ajax deputy ...
Don't sell 407, says AjaxAJAX -- Don't sell the 407 if it's extended east. Ajax doesn't want the Province to sell Hwy. 407 and to use the money raised from tolls to pay for Metrolinx ...
Forum on Zero Waste set for CourticeCOURTICE -- A group of area citizens is hoping an upcoming information night will help people recognize Zero Waste as a viable long-term strategy aimed at eliminating the need...
Police release video in shooting probePICKERING -- Police have released security camera video in hopes of identifying two persons of interest in a shooting last May in Pickering. The video captures images of two ...
Murder plot discussed in whispers: witnessWHITBY -- The conversation ran from mundane to murder when a police agent met with a high-ranking Hells Angel to discuss dealing with an underworld rival, a jury has been told...
Nine years for key player in coke smuggling ringOSHAWA -- A key player in a cocaine smuggling ring busted by Durham police has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Michael Stewart, 38, pleaded guilty to importing cocaine...
Gymnasts flipping for joyPICKERING -- The co-owner of the Pickering Athletic Centre (PAC) can finally get some rest after countless hours of fighting to keep her business alive. "I'm finally ...
Accountant's hearing delayedCLARINGTON -- A disciplinary hearing for the accountant who conducted an audit of former Clarington mayor John Mutton's election expenses has been postponed. The Institute...
Girl struck in Ajax SaturdayAJAX -- A four-year-old girl is recovering from serious, non-life threatening injuries after being struck by a car on Saturday. A man and two young girls were crossing Bayly ...
More cops are on the way for DurhamDURHAM -- There will be 26 new officers on the streets of Durham next year, despite the fact the police are faced with a budget crunch. Initially, the Region was looking to ...