Three of the five candidates in Delta South tackled a number of issues at a well-attended public forum Thursday night in Ladner.
Co-sponsored by the local chapter of the Council of Canadians and the Delta Residents Association, the meeting attracted more than 250 residents to the Ladner Community Centre.
Independent Nicholas Wong, New Democrat Bruce Reid and Green Larry Colero answered questions about health care, education, the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project, Terminal 2, the housing crisis, a proposed casino, party loyalties and more.
The candidates received five questions in advance, while a number of others were accepted from the audience prior to the start of the forum.
With Liberal Ian Paton unable to attend due to a prior commitment and Errol Sherley of the B.C. Action Party also not in attendance, it was hard to separate the three candidates as their positions were similar on many issues.
On the proposed cuts to education assistants by the Delta board of education, Reid said in his position as a school trustee he would be voting against the reductions, adding that’s why he ran for trustee and why he’s running in this election — to make education a priority.
Colero said the board had reasons to do what it did, adding he would not interfere with other levels of government if elected.
“It’s not up to the province to tell the Delta School District what to do,” Colero said. “What I would not do is break the law and withhold $330 million from education and I would not make teachers overwork and rob a whole generation of a good education like the Liberal government has done.”
Wong said he would do everything in his power to ensure there was a strong and properly funded education system.
On a possible casino for Delta, all three were generally not opposed to the concept, but didn’t want it located near homes and that a larger, broad-scoping community consultation be held before any proposal was considered.
On the issue of accommodating growing and changing populations in South Delta, Wong said the way to address this was increasing density in certain areas without compromising agricultural land or green space. He favours re-developing pre-existing corridors.
Reid agreed with Wong’s points, so much so that he began taking notes.
“I will be sure to use those great ideas when I’m minister of housing,” Reid quipped.
Colero stated that more medium density options should be pursued and suggested looking at concepts like co-op housing.
One of the few times the candidates differed was the final question regarding loyalty — to your party or your constituents.
Colero said his party is allows its candidates to fully represent constituents.
Wong said as an independent there was no question where his loyalty lies.
“I have no other loyalty than to the people of South Delta. It is South Delta first, South Delta last and South Delta for every step in between,” he stated to big applause.
Reid said he would never vote for anything that was uniquely favourable to South Delta, but a detriment to the rest of the province.
“I’m a Canadian first, I’m a British Columbian and I’m also a South Deltan. I would listen and hear, but I believe it’s a little naive to say I only believe in my community and that I don’t agree with the greater community.”
At the end of the forum, organizers stated that several audience questions not asked would be posed to the candidates with their responses posted on the Delta Residents Association website in the coming days.
The election is May 9.
