Bill Barisoff gone . . . look who is stepping up.

[Giants Head]

I must be missing something here. Would someone please explain to me how the use of cell phones at the Liberal nomination meeting could possibly change the outcome of the vote? I don't get it.

[glassmaster]

I must be missing something here. Would someone please explain to me how the use of cell phones at the Liberal nomination meeting could possibly change the outcome of the vote? I don't get it.

My point exactly .... thank you.

[-fluffy-]

Why were the candidates asked to leave the building during voting? It makes sense that the cel phone thing would be an outgrowth of common "campaigning at the polling place" regulations.

[twobits]

Why were the candidates asked to leave the building during voting?

Perhaps so that the delegates could have open and frank disscussions about the candidates without feeling undue pressure or intimidation from their presence. At first I was intrigued by this topic.....the idea that rules may have been broken. But fluff, it would now appear that there were no "rules" broken other than ettiquette that would also apply to phone use on a crowded bus or in a theatre. I just don't see a scandal here unless someone can present an official rule list forbidding phone conversations because of concerns over vote manipulation. Logic would dictate if such manipulation were even possible via phone, texting would be as effective as voice communication and the rule would have been "All cell phones are to be left at the door".

[-fluffy-]

I agree with that twobits, to a point at least. I will quiz my 'source' the next time I seem them as to the actual rules. But you are right on the money with your opening comment, the whole spirit of rules of this nature is to give voters a little time to reflect and consider without influence from candidates or thir agents. It follows to reason that current technology would allow for a virtual presence of sorts.

This discussion quickly skewed away from a complaint of breach of election rules to one of the right to question the actions of those vying for public office. It pretty much hijacked this thread for a few days and I apologize for my part in that.

[Rockitman]

It pretty much hijacked this thread for a few days and I apologize for my part in that.

It's OK Fluffy that's what forums are for, to provoke discussion and that is what you have done. I have enjoyed the banter, to a degree. My point is that party politics have evolved into this kind of questionable behaviour, whether it happened in this case or not and have become common place and worse yet, accepted by the public.

For example, how is it we have a leader of the NDP who literally committed fraud (no one can dispute that) and oh yea, "forgot" to buy a sky train ticket and yet he could end up as our next Premier. How is it that the Liberals can already be campaigning when the "rules" (elections BC, and I can quote them if necessary) state you can not campaign until the writ is dropped.

The problem is we have come to expect and accept this type of questionable behaviour, mostly because we "believe" we have no choice in the matter and that is just plain WRONG. We need to start somewhere and I say we start by voting in some independent candidates that have some morals and will not have to answer to the Party regime. This way we can send a huge message that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour any longer.

[-fluffy-]

Have you found any documentation on this rule that you were told about?

Yes. The actual rules restrict voice communication to outside the building, texting only inside, with no electronic devices of any sort to be used during ballot counting.

I am also told that the official concerns raised did receive some attention at the provincial level, but it no further action is being considered.

[Rockitman]

concerns raised did receive some attention at the provincial level, but it no further action is being considered.

Of course no further action is being considered at the provincial level, you can't condemn what you condone.!

[glassmaster]

Have you found any documentation on this rule that you were told about?

Yes. The actual rules restrict voice communication to outside the building, texting only inside, with no electronic devices of any sort to be used during ballot counting.

I am also told that the official concerns raised did receive some attention at the provincial level, but it no further action is being considered.

Thanks Flufffy. That makes sense and seems to match up with what I was told. Cell phones were not forbidden from use at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center. Maybe some of the candidates and supporters broke the rules of etiquette in how they used their phones - but that would not have made any difference to the outcome. I'm sure that the Liberals that were there to vote - had made their choice long before arriving at the building.

[twobits]

Thanks Flufffy. That makes sense and seems to match up with what I was told. Cell phones were not forbidden from use at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center. Maybe some of the candidates and supporters broke the rules of etiquette in how they used their phones - but that would not have made any difference to the outcome. I'm sure that the Liberals that were there to vote - had made their choice long before arriving at the building.

And since it was one weighted ballot, there would be no opportunity to lobby supporters of candidates who might have been eliminated in a multi ballot system. This is a non issue.

[-fluffy-]

And since it was one weighted ballot...

Is that they way it went? I could never get a clear explanation of the way the preferential ballot system was worked in this case But I'm sure I heard talk of multiple ballots, three at least. The single ballot/preferential voting thing is till a mystery to me.

Cell phones were not forbidden from use at the Penticton Trade & Convention Center

That is correct, not forbidden, only restricted in some aspects. Do you think it might be safe to assume that since someone who was aware of the rules saw fit to complain, that some were using their phones in violation of those restrictions?

I can easily get on board with trueindependant in that strict adherence to rules and regulations has become a matter of convenience to today's politician. In politics honesty is no longer based on what one knows to be true, but what one can get others to believe.

[glassmaster]

Yes, I can see where someone might be peeved by the lack of cell phone etiquette ... but not to the extent of insinuating that the cell phones were being used in a way that could have changed the outcome of the vote. That doesn't make any sense to me and just seems petty. Perhaps there should be a rule that all cell phones are checked at the door during voting ... but even if there had been such a rule ... we would still be looking at the same results.

I can agree with you that Politics can be a dirty business ... and when there is evidence of dirty business ... by all means it should be examined.

[BC Dave]

A few of us were having beers Monday and my buddy and I agreed that while we're not happy to see Ashton as the likely new MLA, we're thrilled that we'll have a new mayor.

[glassmaster]

Maybe Connie will run for the Mayor's chair ... I think she might have a good chance at getting it. It would be really interesting to see who throws their hat in to the ring. Who do your beer buddies want to see run for that spot? I'm sure that one will be hotly debated here. I can hardly wait.

[XT225]

A few of us were having beers Monday and my buddy and I agreed that while we're not happy to see Ashton as the likely new MLA, we're thrilled that we'll have a new mayor.

Exactly! Those of us who never voted FOR Ashton as Mayor (remember, something like 2/3 of those that voted,chose someone else) are now thrilled with the thought of him going. Yet, don't forget that even if we don't like the guy or his record, its critical that we DO vote for him next May; otherwise....he will be baaaa..............ck!!! Interesting little bit in the paper today (with big photo) of Julius Bloomfield. One has to wonder if the Herald isn't now going to get behind him, should he choose to run for mayor. Small town politics are so much fun!