By David F. Rooney
Revelstokians intending to vote in the May 2 federal election should pencil April 12 on their calendars; that’s the date an All-Candidates’ Forum is slated to be held at the Community Centre from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm.
While three of the five candidates competing to become the riding’s next Member of Parliament have confirmed their attendance, one says he has a prior commitment and the Chamber of Commerce, which normally organizes and hosts this event, has not yet heard back from the fifth.
John Devitt, the Chamber’s executive director, said Wednesday that NDP candidate Mark Shmigelsky, Green Party candidate Bill Green and Independent candidate Brent Bush have all confirmed their attendance. Conservative candidate David Wilks says he has a prior engagement and Liberal Betty Aitchison has not yet said one way or another if she will attend.
“We think it is vitally important that the people of Revelstoke hear from all candidates and have an opportunity to question them,” Devitt said in an interview. “Unfortunately, the campaign is so short and the riding is so large that it is really difficult to find a time and date that works for all the candidates.”
A moderator has not yet been selected for the forum, but people in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions of all participating candidates.
