The B.C. Liberals made much of Eric Foster’s acclamation as the Vernon-Monashee candidate, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But what may have raised some eyebrows was a Liberal press release with endorsements for Foster from Rick Fairbairn, Regional District of North Okanagan chairperson, Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick, Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton, Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund and Vernon Councillors Catherine Lord and Brian Quiring.
As individuals, they can support whoever they want politically, but as elected officials, they need to remember that they represent the entire community – Liberal and non-Liberal.
For those residents that don’t favour the Liberals, they may fear that their voice has been lost at the municipal table when critical issues come up, such as the lack of affordable housing or infrastructure, including the ongoing debate over Stickle Road.
Also, what happens if the Liberals aren’t re-elected or Foster loses his bid? Will these municipal leaders who demonstrated their partisan loyalties be able to work with an MLA or government not of their choosing?
And the concerns about civic officials remaining neutral provincially aren’t just directed towards the Liberals. Vernon council consists of former NDP and B.C. Conservative candidates, and they would also be wise to sit on the sidelines during the provincial election.
In the end, municipal politicians have to represent the broad interests of their community and that means not getting too tied to who runs the show in Victoria.