With barely two weeks to election day (October 19) the political pulse is quickening. People are actually beginning to think about how to vote. A useful opportunity for local voters will occur Monday, October 7, 2015 when the Leaside Property Owners Association holds a candidates debate at the Lea Room at Leaside arena. It will be a contest between the two contenders, MP John Carmichael (Conservative) and the man who came quite close the last time, Rob Oliphant (Liberal). Both men have run lively campaigns with the margin the last time of some 600 votes a spur no doubt to Mr. Carmichael. Rob Oliphant was stumping on Bayview Ave. Friday where mainstreeting is a tradition for political candidates.
Rob Oliphant (left) speaks with Realtor Susan Byford and her father Richard
The Conservatives will no doubt be hoping that the perceived resurgence in their favour keeps running. Paul Wells of Maclean’s is an impartial observer. He thinks the tide is running in Stephen Harper’s direction — at least for now. In particular, Wells sees the rather staggering challenge of Syrian and other refugees as a factor in Harper’s favour, even among openly compassionate people who would like to help but don’t want to sacrifice good order down the road. Time will tell on all of this.
