Dear Editor:
Re: BC Liberals name nominee for West Vancouver-Capilano, North Shore News, July 29th edition.
After a candidate search of undisclosed rigour, and the briefest of notification to the party's local membership and general public alike, the BC Liberals have acclaimed their candidate in West Vancouver-Capilano for the next provincial election, not expected until either the spring or autumn of 2021. This is democracy by stealth, accompanied by a decidedly unpleasant odour.
Evidently, Karin Kirkpatrick was the only candidate to place her name in consideration. This strikes me as most peculiar given the constituency has for over two decades been one of the safest bets for the BC Liberal nominee.
Kirkpatrick, with some impressive credentials and work experience but apparently no local community involvement to date, appears set to be the next MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano. It is unlikely her principal allegiance will be to the constituents, very few having had a role in her selection. Choice of this candidate was an 'inside job,' proving yet again the truth in the observation of the erstwhile mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, head of an infamous political machine, who said, "I don't care who does the electing, just let me do the nominating."
David Marley
West Vancouver
